This bill amends existing laws regarding seafood licensing in Louisiana, specifically focusing on the requirements for wholesale/retail and retail dealers who sell imported seafood. It mandates that these dealers obtain an additional imported seafood license, which will be valid for one year and can be purchased at any time during the year for a fee of $300. The bill also establishes that 10% of the revenue from these licenses will be allocated to the Conservation Fund, while the remainder will go to the newly created Imported Seafood Safety Fund.

Additionally, the bill outlines the purpose of the Imported Seafood Safety Fund, which is to support the sampling, analysis, testing, and monitoring of imported seafood products to ensure they are safe for human consumption. The Louisiana Department of Health will oversee these activities, which are aimed at detecting harmful substances in imported seafood. The bill repeals a duplicative fee and clarifies the licensing process for seafood dealers, ensuring that those who sell seafood sourced from outside the federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ) comply with the new licensing requirements.

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