This bill amends existing laws regarding seafood licensing in Louisiana, specifically focusing on the sale of imported seafood. It requires licensed wholesale/retail and retail dealers who sell seafood sourced from outside the federal exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to obtain an additional imported seafood license. The bill establishes a license fee of $300, which is valid for one year, and outlines the process for purchasing the license. Additionally, it mandates that 10% of the revenue from these licenses be allocated to the Conservation Fund, while the remainder will go to the newly created Imported Seafood Safety Fund.

The bill also modifies the existing provisions related to seafood dealer licenses by adding new sections that detail the requirements for obtaining an imported seafood license. It clarifies that both wholesale/retail and retail seafood dealers must comply with these new licensing requirements if they sell imported seafood. Furthermore, the bill repeals a duplicative fee and ensures that the funds collected will be used exclusively for the sampling, analysis, testing, and monitoring of imported seafood products to protect public health.

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