Louisiana House Bill HB101

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/26
• Refer: 2/9/26
• Refer: 3/9/26
• Report Pass: 3/23/26
• Engrossed: 3/30/26
• Refer: 3/31/26

Caption

STATE SYMBOL: Recognizes the mottled duck as the official state waterfowl

Summary

HB 101 creates a new Louisiana state symbol by designating the mottled duck (Anas fulvigula maculosa) as the official state waterfowl. The bill adds a new statute, R.S. 49:170.26, to the state symbols chapter and authorizes the use of the mottled duck on official state documents and with the state insignia. The measure is largely ceremonial and does not create a regulatory program, funding obligation, or enforcement mechanism. Its principal legal effect is to expand Louisiana’s list of official state symbols and to formally recognize the mottled duck in state law, including by specifying its scientific name in the enacted version.

Impact

HB 101 amends Louisiana law by adding R.S. 49:170.26 to establish an official state waterfowl. It affects the state symbols statute and may allow the mottled duck to be used in official state branding or documentation, but it does not alter substantive rights, duties, or agency operations beyond symbolic recognition.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been received favorably and with little controversy. It passed the House overwhelmingly, 80-2, indicating broad support for the symbolic designation. No committee transcript was provided, and the available record suggests the measure was treated as a straightforward state-symbol bill rather than a contested policy proposal.

Contention

There is no recorded substantive opposition in the provided materials, and no committee debate transcript is available. The only noted amendment was technical: House Judiciary added the scientific name of the mottled duck, Anas fulvigula maculosa, to clarify the designation. Any disagreement, if present, appears limited to the two dissenting House votes, but no reasons for those votes are included in the record provided.