Committee approves Imported Seafood Safety Act creating imported-seafood licensing and testing fund

Chairman Brown and committee members approved HB1, titled the Imported Seafood Safety Act in the substitute, which creates a licensing and testing framework for seafood imported into the state.

Under the substitute, businesses that import seafood must obtain a distinct imported-seafood license. The substitute sets initial fees at $500 for residents and $700 for nonresidents and establishes the Imported Seafood Safety Act fund in the state treasury to support Department of Public Health inspection and laboratory testing. The Department of Public Health will determine sampling, analysis, testing and monitoring methods to detect microbiological contaminants, chemicals and drug residues; the department may adopt rules and adjust testing frequency based on funding availability.

Representative Brown and other committee members said the substitute clarifies testing responsibilities and creates a dedicated revenue stream to support inspections. Committee discussion noted there are currently 694 entities holding seafood dealer licenses statewide; the sponsor said the number may be underreported and that fee levels are comparable to other states.

The committee adopted the substitute by voice vote and then passed the bill with a favorable report. The committee indicated the fee revenue would be used to pay for health inspectors and laboratory work; the substitute leaves rulemaking authority and the type and frequency of testing to the Department of Public Health and permits adjustments as funding and needs change.

The committee did not record a roll-call vote on the final favorable report in the transcript; the clerk announced the bill passed with a favorable report.