LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICE
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: HB 429 HLS 24RS 947
Bill Text Version: ENROLLED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 30, 2024 11:00 AM Author: BRYANT
Dept./Agy.: EDUCATION
Subject: Prohibits use of imported seafood in Louisiana schools Analyst: Julie Silva
SCHOOLS/FOOD PROGRAMS EN NO IMPACT See Note Page 1 of 1
Prohibits the use of imported seafood in food served at schools
Proposed legislation prohibits serving imported seafood to students at public schools and nonpublic schools that receive state
funds. Proposed legislation additionally requires the same prohibition applies to the Louisiana State Capitol cafeteria.
EXPENDITURES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
REVENUES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated material effect on governmental expenditures as a result of this measure.
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) reports that federal regulations, specifically those governing the National
School Lunch and Breakfast programs, require that all food components served in schools (including seafood) be domestic
products of the United States. The only exception to this requirement is provided through a Buy American exemption filed
with LDOE’s Division of Nutrition Support, and is allowed only if the domestic product is cost-prohibitive or availability is
extremely limited. Schools will need to be informed that the Buy American exemption will no longer be available for seafood
products. LDOE reports they do not know how many schools currently have a seafood exemption, if any, but do not expect a
significant impact as a result of proposed legislation requirements as seafood tends to be offered on menu items significantly
less than other protein options.
A U.S. Government Accountability Office report published in November 2022 supports this. The report was based on a
collection of data from the 2012-2019 school years provided by the school food authorities of 10 states, including Louisiana,
that would be expected to serve above average amounts of seafood based on their geographic location. The data collected
reflected that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchased a limited quantity of seafood compared to other protein
options. This is attributed to a few factors, such as student preference, allergen concerns, and cost. Louisiana purchased an
average of 4.6 ounces of seafood, per student, during that time period. A review of menus across the state reflects this, as
most schools only offer a meal including seafood once or twice each month.
The LFO assumes “Louisiana State Capitol cafeteria” refers only to the Louisiana House Dining Hall. The dining hall is
operated by a contracted vendor who reports serving local seafood a majority of the time, unless the food supplier used has
inventory issues. Anticipated increases in costs to the operator would be roughly $3 per pound for shrimp and $2 per pound
for catfish, which are the only seafood items currently offered on the dining hall’s menu. Any increase in costs incurred as a
result of the requirements of proposed legislation would be the responsibility of the contracted vendor.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental revenues as a result of this measure.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee Patrice Thomas
6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Deputy Fiscal Officer