Senate committee advances CWD ‘reset’ resolution after wildlife group urges delay

Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, introduced for the committee as a measure by the author identified on the agenda, was reported favorably after authors described it as a “reset” of the state’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) management approach.

The author said SCR 24 moves the state to a 1.5% prevalence threshold with a minimum of 300 samples and makes other management adjustments intended to protect farmers, hunters and the broader hunting heritage. Representative Reiser and the bill’s cosponsors said the measure reflects task-force work and aims to balance science and practical management.

Rick Owens of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation told the committee the federation appreciates the sponsors’ effort but urged deferral. Owens said the department’s original framework was science-driven and cautioned that the proposed changes would have significant effects on management zones, baiting restrictions and prevalence-based actions.

Committee members asked whether a newly detected positive deer would trigger immediate emergency actions or whether feed bans and zone establishment would wait until after the season and the prevalence determination. The authors clarified the resolution’s language intends implementation after the hunting season closes and after prevalence is determined.

With no recorded objection on the floor of the committee during the hearing, the committee chair announced SCR 24 was reported favorably to the next step in the process. The committee did not adopt an amendment on the record. The resolution will proceed to the floor for further consideration.