Creates the La. Shrimp Task Force within the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
Impact
The bill has significant implications for state laws concerning the management and promotion of the shrimp industry. It allows for the establishment of specialized accounts for marketing funds and potential regulatory measures to enhance shrimp production and marketability. The activities of the Task Force will be funded through the Shrimp Marketing and Promotion Account and the Shrimp Trade Petition Account, ensuring that financial support is directed specifically towards initiatives that promote local shrimp production and market expansion.
Summary
House Bill 875 aims to create the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to monitor, study, and enhance the domestic shrimp industry in Louisiana. The bill outlines the membership composition, which includes representatives from various sectors, such as marine biology, enforcement, and commercial fishing, and it aims to maximize benefits from the shrimp industry for the citizens of Louisiana. With the establishment of this Task Force, the bill endeavors to create strategic marketing plans to protect and promote the state's shrimp resources.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding House Bill 875 is generally positive among stakeholders in the shrimp industry. Advocates see the bill as a necessary step to bolster local economies, support shrimpers, and address challenges posed by imported shrimp. However, some concerns exist regarding how the Task Force will navigate issues such as pricing and competition, particularly with the influx of imported products that may impact the prices and sales of domestically sourced shrimp.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support, some points of contention arise from its implications for regulatory authority. Ensuring that the Task Force effectively coordinates with existing state departments and accurately addresses the complexities of the shrimp market will be critical. Discussions on how the Task Force will represent the interests of various stakeholders, particularly small-scale shrimpers versus larger players in the industry, remain areas of inquiry that could influence the bill's implementation and future reforms.
Provides that the Louisiana Seafood and Promotion and Marketing Board shall act independently from the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. (7/1/13)
Authorizes the secretary of the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to develop certification standards for La. wild fish and seafood including wild-caught shrimp
Transfers the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. (7/1/13) (EN SEE FISC NOTE EX See Note)
Requests the Crab Task Force and the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, in cooperation with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, to study and make recommendations to reduce damage to crab traps and the number of derelict crab traps in Lake Pontchartrain.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.