LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICE
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: HB 676 HLS 24RS 597
Bill Text Version: ENROLLED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 31, 2024 9:25 AM Author: KERNER
Dept./Agy.: Wildlife and Fisheries/Department of Health
Subject: Imported Seafood License Analyst: Richie Anderson
SEAFOOD EN INCREASE SD RV See Note Page 1 of 1
Establishes a imported seafood license for wholesale/retail dealers and retail dealers
Proposed law authorizes the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to charge an annual $300 fee for the license to
import seafood. The license would be required by anyone who is importing seafood that is sourced outside the Federal
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Any licensed restaurant or grocer that purchases from a licensed seafood dealer, and only
sells such seafood fully prepared for immediate consumption would be exempt from the proposed law. The proposed law
states that 10% of the revenue collected from the licenses be deposited in the Conservation Fund and the remainder be
deposited into the Imported Seafood Safety Fund. Seafood dealers and retailers that import seafood or sell imported seafood
are required to get the imported seafood dealer’s license in addition to maintaining their wholesale/retail dealer’s license.
EXPENDITURES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW SEE BELOW
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total
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 INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
LA Department of Health (LDH) - LDH anticipates that they will need to add one (1) additional T.O., a Sample Collector
position, for the collection of imported seafood samples. LDH estimates the total annual cost to implement a collection
process is anticipated to be $215,986. The new position will be compensated at $112,383 (salary and related benefits) and
include operating services (travel costs and vehicle rental) of $25,200. Testing will be conducted by Eurofins Central
Analytical Lab on a weekly basis at a cost of approximately $1,508 for a total projected cost of $78,403 annually. Depending
on the extent of sampling required to be conducted, LDH may require additional funding for future expenditures. The
department can utilize dedications generated from the revenues estimated below out of the Imported Seafood Safety Fund
for these costs. In the event this funding is not sufficient to cover costs, additional SGF appropriations would be required.
LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) - There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental
expenditures as a result of this measure. The LDWF is able to make the proposed changes to the licensing system using
existing resources and staff.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
LDWF anticipates an increase in estimated revenues generated from the sale of Imported Seafood licenses; however, the
actual amount of revenue is indeterminable. Proposed law requires that 10% of collections must be deposited in the
Conservation Fund and the remainder be deposited into the Imported Seafood Safety Fund. LDWF issues approximately
3,422 wholesale/retail dealer and retail dealer licenses annually, it is unclear how many of these license holders engage in
importation or sale of imported seafood. The amount charged for each imported seafood license will be $300.
Data is not available on the number of retail and wholesale dealers that import or sell imported seafood from outside the
EEZ; however, for illustrative purposes, if 50% of the existing licensed dealers import seafood or sell imported seafood it
would result in a revenue increase of $513,300 (1,711 x $300) in the initial year. Using this example would result in an
increase of $461,970 (90%) deposited into the Imported Seafood Safety Fund and $51,330 (10%) into the Conservation
Fund from initial year collections.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
x 13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} x 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
Patrice Thomas
x 13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee 6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Deputy Fiscal Officer


Statutes affected:
HB676 Original: 56:306(S, 56:1(S, 40:35(C)
HB676 Engrossed: 56:306(S, 56:1(S, 40:35(C)
HB676 Reengrossed: 56:306(S, 56:1(S, 40:35(C)
HB676 Enrolled: 56:306(S
HB676 Act 719: 56:306(S