LA HB1205

Establishes three new groundwater conservation districts as political subdivisions of Louisiana: the Mississippi River Alluvial, Chicot, and Southern Hills Groundwater Conservation Districts, each governed by boards of 22-30 voting members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate

Board members serve three-year terms and include one representative from each parish within the district, three representatives from industrial/agricultural users, and six representatives from municipalities using at least 500,000 gallons per day

Requires each board to conduct studies and surveys of groundwater resources, hold public hearings, and submit annual reports by April 1st to the legislature detailing water usage, saltwater intrusion projections, and any out-of-state water sales

Grants boards subpoena power to compel witness testimony and document production, with district courts authorized to enforce compliance through contempt proceedings

Initial board members must be nominated by September 15, 2026, commissioned by October 15, 2026, and hold organizational meetings by November 15, 2026