This bill amends R.S. 40:31.35(C) to modify the fee structure for commercial seafood permits in Louisiana. It introduces an annual imported seafood safety fee, which will be charged by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to holders of commercial seafood permits who process or distribute imported seafood. The fee will start at $300 for the 2025 calendar year and will increase incrementally to $1,000 by the 2028 calendar year and each year thereafter.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the proceeds from this fee will be deposited into the Imported Seafood Safety Fund, ensuring that the funds are allocated for safety-related purposes. The previous annual fee of $100 has been removed, and the language has been updated to reflect the new fee structure and the responsible department for collection.

Statutes affected:
HB748 Original: 40:35(C)
HB748 Engrossed: 40:35(C)
HB748 Reengrossed: 40:35(C), 56:10(B)(3)
HB748 Enrolled: 40:35(C)
HB748 Act 787: 40:35(C)