The bill introduced by Representative Kerner aims to enhance seafood safety regulations in Louisiana by transferring the authority for imported seafood sampling, testing, and enforcement from the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This consolidation includes moving the Seafood Safety Task Force to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, allowing for a more streamlined oversight of seafood safety. The commissioner of agriculture will be granted the authority to administer and enforce seafood safety regulations, impose penalties for violations, and require commercial seafood processors and distributors to report on the seafood they handle, including details on the country of origin.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new framework for the Imported Seafood Safety Fund and outlines specific fees for commercial seafood permits. It mandates that processors and distributors submit quarterly reports on their seafood transactions and introduces penalties for non-compliance with these reporting requirements. The proposed law also repeals existing provisions that assigned seafood testing responsibilities to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, thereby refining the regulatory framework. Amendments adopted by the House further clarify the reporting obligations for commercial processors and distributors, eliminating the requirement to submit records of imported seafood to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The law will take effect upon the governor's signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

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)