RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 69 (HB 593) 2017 Regular Session Pugh
Existing law provides that the purpose of existing law is to prevent the introduction into and
dissemination within this state of contagious and infectious diseases of turtles by providing
for the regulation, inspection, and control of turtles.
New law modifies existing law by specifying that the regulation, inspection, and control is
related to farm-raised turtles instead of turtles in general.
Prior law required the commissioner to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement
the provisions of existing law.
New law mandates that the rules and regulations adopted include rules regarding breeding,
disposal, raising, identification, inspecting, licensing, monitoring, sanitization, shipping or
transporting, testing, and quarantine of farm-raised turtles or turtle eggs.
Prior law defined "antibiotic", "certificate of inspection", "certified
laboratory","commissioner", "health certificate", "licensed turtle farm", "person", "siebeling
method", and "turtle group".
New law removes the definitions for "antibiotic", "certificate of inspection", and the
"siebeling method" and adds definitions for "chain of custody" and "farm-raised turtle". Also
changes the requirements in the definition of a health certificate, removes any reference to
the siebeling method in the definitions, and changes any turtle or pet turtle references to
farm-raised turtles. Also adds turtle eggs to the definition of turtle farm.
New law adds a requirement that an applicant complete a written application, pay the
required license fee, and comply with any other requirement to become a licensed turtle
farmer.
Prior law required each licensed turtle farmer maintain accurate records including
information as to production, sales, shipping, and laboratory certification.
New law repeals prior law.
Prior law provides for violations of prior law, including but not limited to, failing to dispose
of all turtles or turtle eggs in a quarantined group and willfully disposing improperly of any
antibiotic solution.
New law removes prior law.
Prior law provides a violation for shipping or moving turtles or turtle eggs without a
certificate of inspection or a health certificate for any purpose other than testing.
New law changes prior law by only requiring the required documentation instead of a
certificate of inspection or a health certificate.
Effective August 1, 2017.
(Amends R.S. 3:2358.1, 2358.2(B), 2358.3, 2358.7(A), and 2358.13; Adds R.S. 3:2358.4(D);
Repeals R.S. 3:2358.5, 2358.6, 2358.7(B), 2358.8, 2358.9, 2358.10, 2358.11, and 2358.12)