LA HB173

State park wardens receive statewide authority to enforce litter laws and issue citations for littering by mail or in person, expanding beyond their current jurisdiction within state parks

Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism may pursue civil penalties for litter violations (R.S. 30:2531) through adjudicatory hearings held in the parish where the defendant lives or where the violation occurred

Defendants must receive written notice of hearings via citation, summons, or certified mail; failure to appear results in automatic assessment of civil penalties and hearing costs

Either party may appeal administrative hearing rulings to district court; defendants found liable must pay attorney fees and hearing costs in addition to civil penalties

Civil penalty recoveries are deposited into the litter abatement account within the Conservation Fund; effective upon governor's signature