LA HB802

Creates the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund in the state treasury to support reclamation, restoration, and long-term stewardship of lands and watersheds impacted by sand and gravel mining operations, with priority given to flood-prone areas and impaired watersheds

Funds the program by depositing 100% of recurring severance tax revenues collected on sand and gravel that would otherwise go to the state general fund after constitutionally required allocations

Limits fund allocations to statutorily-created watershed-based entities that have floodplain management responsibility, maintain legislature-approved master and annual plans, and can promulgate rules and regulations

Requires eligible entities to have governing boards with parish representation from within the watershed and members with expertise in engineering, hydrology, water resources management, floodplain management, environmental science, land use planning, or public administration

Mandates annual reporting on fund receipts, expenditures, and funded activities to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources by March 1st each year; effective July 1, 2026