Expands eligibility criteria for the Louisiana State Museum Director position.

Key Change: Allows candidates with experience in a related field to qualify, in addition to those with a master’s degree in Museum Science or a related field

Broadens the candidate pool for museum leadership.

NEEDS FISCAL NOTE

Proposes increases in compensation for election commissioners and commissioners-in-charge in Louisiana. The key changes outlined in the bill are as follows:

Compensation for Election Commissioners:

Commissioner-in-Charge:

• Current compensation: $250
• Proposed compensation: $300

For those serving at more than one precinct:

• Current compensation: $350
• Proposed compensation: $400

Commissioners with Certificates of Instruction:

For commissioners who have completed a general course of instruction:

• Current compensation: $100
• Proposed compensation: $150

For commissioners who have completed an advanced course of instruction:

• Current compensation: $200
• Proposed compensation: $250

Uncertified Commissioners:

• Current compensation: $35
• Proposed compensation: $85

Compensation for Parish Board Commissioners:

For service on election day, during the counting and tabulating of provisional ballots, or during a recount:

• Current compensation: $50
• Proposed compensation: $100

Additionally, the bill retains provisions that allow for increased compensation in certain circumstances, such as during emergencies declared by the governor. In such cases, upon application by the parish board of election supervisors and approval by the secretary of state, commissioners may receive additional compensation beyond the standard rates.

In Louisiana, the compensation for election commissioners is primarily funded by the state. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 18:1400.3, the secretary of state is responsible for paying certain election expenses incurred by clerks of court and registrars of voters, which includes the compensation for commissioners. However, local governing authorities may also bear some election-related expenses, depending on the specific circumstances and agreements in place.

Aims to address the issue of abandoned vessels in Louisiana's waterways by mandating the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to establish clear procedures for their removal and salvage.

Current Law:

·       The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) may adopt rules for handling abandoned or salvaged vessels, but it's not required.

·       There is no statewide system for identifying, tagging, or removing abandoned vessels.

·       New vessel registrants are not clearly informed they could be held responsible if the vessel is abandoned.

·       Local governments can remove abandoned vessels, but the process varies.

Proposed Law:

·       LDWF would be required to create rules for registering, titling, and managing abandoned, salvaged, towed, and undocumented vessels.

·       Law enforcement must place notices on abandoned vessels.

·       Procedures must be established for third parties to recover and sell such vessels.

·       Owner information must be made available.

·       New registrants must be notified they are responsible for the vessel if it is abandoned.

·       Local authority to remove vessels remains, but the state adds a consistent system.

Other HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE floor amendment set 3126 [LINK] adds a new section that exempts a specific legal case from the bill’s provisions. It states that the bill will not apply retroactively to the case Cantium, LLC v. Rosefield Fourchon Operating, LLC, currently pending before the Louisiana Public Service Commission, or to any appeals or related claims between the parties in that case. This ensures that the outcome of that ongoing dispute will not be affected by the changes made in the bill.

HOUSE committee amendment [LINK] clarifies pipes and equipment used only inside a petroleum terminal are excluded from pipeline regulations, and companies that aren't common carriers are also excluded.

Clarifies that only petroleum pipeline facilities that are necessary or integral to pipeline transportation fall under regulation by the Public Service Commission. It excludes terminal facilities (e.g., small pipes, meters, tanks) and truck unloading facilities from regulation. The bill also defines "common carrier" and "pipeline" more narrowly and applies both retroactively and prospectively.

HOUSE floor amendment technical

Allows third parties to remove and dispose of abandoned vessels from Louisiana waterways, establishes a rebuttable presumption of ownership, and mandates rulemaking for salvage and registration.

Key Provisions:

• Presumes the last known registrant is the vessel's owner, unless proven otherwise.
• Authorizes any third party to remove and dispose of abandoned vessels after statutory notice periods.
• Requires the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to create rules for:

1. Accessing ownership/registration data on abandoned vessels.
2. Obtaining salvage titles and selling salvaged vessels.
3. Notifying new registrants they assume ownership responsibility if the vessel is later abandoned.

• Clarifies that entry onto private property requires owner consent.
• Mandates rulemaking (not optional) for registration and titling of abandoned, salvaged, or undocumented vessels and outboard motors.