DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 303 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Leopold
Abstract: Requires applicants for an oyster harvester license to have completed an oyster harvester
education program including the La. Shellfish Sanitation Program.
Present law requires the captain of a vessel harvesting oysters to have obtained an oyster harvester
license. It is an annual license that costs $100 for residents and $400 for nonresidents.
Proposed law requires that beginning in license year 2017 and thereafter, any person applying for
an oyster harvester license shall have completed the oyster harvester education program in the Dept.
of Wildlife and Fisheries within the previous three years. Requires the Dept. of Wildlife and
Fisheries to develop an oyster harvester education program for the purpose of developing
professionalism in the oyster harvest industry. Requires the oyster harvester education program to
include training in the La. Shellfish Sanitation Program. Further requires the oyster harvester
education program to include best practices for conservation of the species.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 56:303.6(D))