HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] alter the alcohol content and the number of bottles that may be shipped.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana's regulations on the packaging of distilled spirits and wines. The bill seeks to clarify and, in some instances, modify the maximum number of containers permitted per shipping case based on container size.

Key proposed changes include:

·       Distilled Spirits:

o  For 700 milliliter containers, the bill specifies that no more than 12 containers are allowed per shipping case.

o  For 375 milliliter containers, the bill clarifies that up to 24 containers are permitted per case.

o  For 200 milliliter and 100 milliliter containers, the bill states that no more than 48 containers are allowed per case.

·       Wines:

o  For 3-liter containers, the bill increases the allowable number from 4 to up to 6 containers per shipping case.

o  For 1.5-liter containers, it clarifies that no more than 6 containers are permitted per case.

Proposes several changes to the Atchafalaya Trace Commission and the Atchafalaya Trace Heritage Area:

1.    Name Change: The bill renames the "Atchafalaya Trace Heritage Area" to the "Atchafalaya National Heritage Area."

2.    Inclusion of Lafourche Parish: Lafourche Parish is added to the heritage area, expanding its coverage.

3.    Commission Membership Increase: The commission's membership increases from fourteen to fifteen to accommodate representation from Lafourche Parish.

4.    Additional Responsibilities: The commission is authorized to acquire real property from willing sellers within the heritage area as necessary to fulfill its purposes.

HOUSE committee amendment technical

Allows the town of Golden Meadow to permit golf carts and low-speed vehicles on shoulders of public roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less. Drivers must have a valid license and insurance. Vehicles must be registered with the town, which may charge a registration fee and issue a decal. The town council can set conditions and revoke authorization by ordinance.

Authorizes the creation of a red drum tag program allowing limited harvest of red drum over 27 inches.

Key Provisions:

- Authorizes the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to establish rules for a red drum tag program.

- Tags permit harvest of red drum over 27 inches and are limited based on population health in designated areas.

- Tags cost $25 in addition to licensing fees.

- Revenues fund program administration; excess funds go to the Marine Finfish Stock Enhancement Fund.