April 29, 2026 — A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would extend offshore boundaries for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to match those of Texas and Florida.
Rep. Troy Carter Sr. (D-LA) introduced the Offshore Parity Act alongside Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Shomari Figures (D-LA).
According to the lawmakers, the current law gives Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama jurisdiction over just three nautical miles offshore. Texas and Florida have nine nautical miles, and the new bill would bring all three Gulf states up to that same limit.