Leopold (HB 913) Act No. 208
New law, relative to finfish, creates the La. Finfish Task Force within DWF to consist of the
following appointments:
(1)The governor or his designee.
(2)Three members appointed by the secretary of DWF to include a marine biologist, an
enforcement agent, and an economist.
(3)The commissioner of the Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee.
(4)The secretary of DHH or his designee.
(5)Three members and three alternate members appointed by the governor each of
whom possesses a commercial fisherman's license with a "certified" endorsement,
three to be selected from a list of six nominees submitted by the La. Shrimp
Association and three to be selected from a list of six nominees submitted by the
Delta Commercial Fisheries Association.
(6)One member appointed by the governor who is an active La. dock buyer of finfish.
(7)Three members and three alternate members appointed by the governor each of
whom possesses recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, four to be
selected from a list of eight nominees submitted by the Coastal Conservation
Association of La. and two to be selected from a list of four nominees submitted by
BASS La.
(8)A member of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate.
(9)A member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House.
Provides that the appointees representing state government agencies are not voting members
and are not counted as part of a quorum. Provides for adoption of bylaws and provides for
appointment by the governor of a chairman for the first year. Provides for election of a
chairman by the task force thereafter.
Prohibits compensation for appointees but authorizes reimbursement of expenses at the same
rate as state employees. Provides that legislative members receive the same per diem and
travel allowance as usually provided to members of the legislature. Charges the task force
with responsibility to coordinate efforts to increase production and marketability; study the
decline in finfish marketability; assist in the development of a finfish inspection program and
branding program, and make recommendations to the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
and state departments and agencies for implementation of policies intended to enhance the
domestic finfish industry.
Further provides that the task force shall represent the industry before federal and state
administrative and legislative bodies and contract for legal services necessary to represent
the interests of the finfish industry in judicial, administrative, and legislative proceedings.
Effective Aug. 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 36:610(B)(12) and R.S. 56:301.10)