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 and reporting requirements for seafood processors and distributors, including an annual imported seafood safety fee that will increase over the next few years.

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 regulations for testing and penalties related to imported seafood. It mandates that commercial processors and distributors submit quarterly reports on their seafood transactions and allows for fines if they fail to comply. The bill repeals certain existing laws that are no longer applicable due to these changes, ensuring a streamlined approach to seafood safety regulation in Louisiana.

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)