This bill amends various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes to transfer the authority for imported seafood sampling, testing, and enforcement from the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. It establishes the Seafood Safety Task Force under the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, which will focus on ensuring the safety of seafood in Louisiana and educating consumers about the health risks associated with imported seafood. The bill also introduces new provisions for penalties related to violations of seafood safety regulations and mandates reporting requirements for processors and distributors of imported seafood.

Additionally, the bill enacts a new part of the Louisiana Revised Statutes dedicated to imported seafood safety, outlining definitions, powers of the commissioner of agriculture, and specific testing and reporting requirements for seafood processors and distributors. It includes provisions for civil penalties for violations, with fines increasing for repeat offenses. The bill repeals certain existing laws that are rendered obsolete by these changes, ensuring a streamlined approach to seafood safety regulation in the state.

Statutes affected:
HB652 Original: 40:2(B)(2), 40:3(A), 40:1(B), 40:35(C), 36:204(A)(10), 36:209(D)(4)
HB652 Engrossed: 40:2(B)(2), 40:3(A), 40:1(B), 40:35(C), 36:204(A)(10), 36:209(D)(4)
HB652 Reengrossed: 40:2(B)(2), 40:3(A), 40:1(B), 40:35(C), 36:204(A)(10), 36:209(D)(4)
HB652 Enrolled: 40:2(B)(2), 40:3(A), 40:1(B), 40:35(C), 36:204(A)(10), 36:209(D)(4)
HB652 Act 300: 40:2(B)(2), 40:3(A), 40:1(B), 40:35(C), 36:204(A)(10), 36:209(D)(4)