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Senate narrowly clears dietitian licensure compact after questions about costs, data, FBI checks
Summary
Senators debated and passed House Bill 399, creating an interstate dietitian licensure compact. Opponents warned the compact could require state participation in a data system, assessments and FBI fingerprinting costs; the measure passed 26–11 on final vote.
House Bill 399, the dietitian licensure compact, was debated on the Senate floor June 2. The bill would allow Louisiana to join an interstate compact to facilitate licensure portability for dietitians and nutritionists.
Senator Edmonds presented the bill and urged passage, saying the compact expedites licensure and increases access to care. Senator Luna led floor opposition, pressing for details on costs and administrative obligations. Luna noted the compact would require member states to participate in a commission data system, including use of a unique identifier. He said the bill requires FBI background checks (including fingerprinting) for compact eligibility but then contains a provision preventing sharing FBI‑sourced information among member states; Luna asked why the state would shoulder the cost of FBI checks if that information could not be transmitted to other states.
Luna also asked whether the compact commission could borrow money, levy assessments on member states, and what would happen to Louisiana’s obligations if assessments were required. Senators said they lacked definitive answers to those fiscal questions on the floor.
After extended questioning and a recorded vote, the Senate adopted the bill on a roll call, 26 ayes and 11 nays. The bill moves forward as the state’s entry into the interstate dietitian compact, subject to any further procedural steps required by the legislature.
Speakers who spoke during the debate included Senator Edmonds (proponent) and Senator Luna (opponent).
