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 627 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Kerner
Abstract: Increases the imported seafood safety fee and designates the Louisiana State University
Agricultural Center as the entity that will perform testing of imported seafood.
Present law appropriates funds collected from each holder of a commercial seafood permit who sells
imported seafood in La. to the La. Department of Health (LDH) to fund the testing of imported
seafood for substances harmful to human health. Present law further provides that LDH is
responsible for collecting the fees and conducting the testing of the imported seafood.
Proposed law requires LSU Ag. Center to directly administer or outsource sampling, analysis,
testing, and monitoring functions. Proposed law further requires LSU Ag. Center to determine the
specific types of sampling, analysis, testing, and monitoring functions to be implemented in addition
to the frequency and scope of these activities.
Proposed law requires the LSU Ag. Center report test results to the department and specifies that the
department is responsible for enforcement of any applicable sanitary code provisions.
Present law provides for a $100 fee on each holder of a commercial seafood permit who sells
imported seafood in La. to fund the Imported Seafood Safety Fund.
Proposed law increases the fee from $100 to $125.
(Amends R.S. 40:5.10.1 and 31.35(C))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill:
1. Change LSU Health Sciences Center to LSU Agricultural Center as the entity performing
testing.
2. Restore LDH as the department receiving funds appropriated in the imported seafood
safety fund and receiving funds collected from the commercial seafood permit fee.