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LouisianaSB 3792026 Regular SessionSenate

NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT: Provides for the Department of Conservation and Energy. (8/1/26)

Sponsored By: Bob Hensgens (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources and EnvironmentNatural Resources

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

Emergency cleanup powers and duties for operators

The department secretary may declare an emergency in writing at a site or facility under department oversight. An incident must be happening or imminent and require immediate action against serious environmental damage or threats to life or safety. The secretary may arrange containment and cleanup, hire contractors, or order the operator or owner to act. Operators and owners who ignore a cleanup order violate the law.

Interested parties can join covered court reviews

A third person with an interest in a matter may join covered administrative and coastal court-review cases as a party. Joining must be unlikely to unduly broaden the issues or slow the case’s resolution. This right applies to both earlier and future cases.

Resource funds gain revenue and investment options

At the Natural Resources Trust Authority’s request, the treasurer may invest some or all of the Financial Security Fund separately. Interest earned goes back into that fund. Royalty field audit collections and out-of-court settlements received through the Office of State Resources go into the Mineral and Energy Operation Fund. These transfers use money left in the Bond Security and Redemption Fund after obligations backed by the state’s full faith and credit are provided for.

Coastal appeals face deadlines and trial limits

Covered coastal permit, local program approval, and coastal determinations have a 10-day reconsideration deadline after posting on the department’s official website. For determinations under R.S. 49:214.30(C)(1), those 10 days start upon receipt of written notice instead. Court review must start within 30 days after the final decision is posted if no reconsideration petition is filed. If one is filed, the deadline runs from posting of the reconsideration decision. Parties no longer get a new trial simply by asking; review follows the Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act.

Department court appeals have a 60-day deadline

Parties seeking court review of a department adjudication have 60 days to file. Without a rehearing request, the clock starts when the final decision or order appears on the department’s official website. If a rehearing is requested, the clock starts when the rehearing decision is posted.

Oilfield cleanup rules tied to plan approval

Oilfield damage evaluation and cleanup plans use the standards in effect when the most feasible plan is approved or structured. This covers damage from oilfield operations, exploration and production, or related waste. The law fixes the rule date but sets no specific cleanup cost.

State leasing expands with royalty flexibility

State agencies may adopt resolutions directing the State Mineral and Energy Board to lease or contract for development on agency land. This authority covers minerals, oil, gas, and alternative energy. For state mineral leases, the board may authorize minimum royalties below one-eighth, or 12.5%, but above one-sixteenth, or 6.25%. The board must find that market conditions, commodity prices, or other economic factors justify the reduction. Lower royalties can reduce lessee costs but also reduce state royalty revenue.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bob Hensgens

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 139 • No: 0

House vote • 5/13/2026

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 94, nays 0. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

Yes: 94 • No: 0

House vote • 5/6/2026

Reported with amendments

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

Rules suspended. Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 31 yeas and 0 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 762.

    6/2/2026Senate

  2. Effective date 6/2/2026.

    6/2/2026Senate

  3. Discharged from Conference Committee.

    5/29/2026House

  4. Notice the House discharged the Conference Committee.

    5/29/2026Senate

  5. Signed by the Speaker of the House.

    5/29/2026House

  6. Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.

    5/29/2026Senate

  7. Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.

    5/28/2026Senate

  8. Rules suspended.

    5/27/2026Senate

  9. Senate Conference Committee members discharged.

    5/27/2026Senate

  10. Notice Senate discharged from Conference Committee.

    5/27/2026House

  11. House conferees appointed: Geymann, Jacob Landry, and Zeringue.

    5/25/2026House

  12. Notice House Conference Committee members appointed.

    5/25/2026Senate

  13. Notice of Senate conferees appointed.

    5/25/2026House

  14. Senate conference committee members appointed: Hensgens, Allain, and Kleinpeter.

    5/21/2026Senate

  15. Notice of Senate rejecting House amendments.

    5/19/2026House

  16. Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 94, nays 0. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

    5/13/2026House

  17. Received from the House with amendments.

    5/13/2026Senate

  18. Scheduled for floor debate on 05/13/2026.

    5/12/2026House

  19. Read by title, amended, passed to 3rd reading.

    5/11/2026House

  20. Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

    5/7/2026House

  21. Reported with amendments (14-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

    5/6/2026House

  22. Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.

    3/24/2026House

  23. Received in the House from the Senate, read by title, lies over under the rules.

    3/23/2026House

  24. Rules suspended. Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 31 yeas and 0 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

    3/18/2026Senate

  25. Read by title. Committee amendments read and adopted. Ordered engrossed and passed to third reading and final passage.

    3/16/2026Senate

Bill Text

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