SEAFOOD: Provides for preference given to Louisiana seafood by purchasing agents of the state (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Domangue

Louisiana seafood must be preferred in state/local purchases if within 10% of non-LA prices and available; otherwise, non-LA seafood may be bought.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Purpose and Intent

HB 1170 seeks to promote the use of Louisiana seafood in state and local government procurement. The bill requires purchasing agents for state agencies and other public entities to give preference to seafood that is taken, harvested, or landed in Louisiana, thereby supporting local fisheries and the state's economy, while maintaining a price-based limitation.

Key Provisions

Mandatory preference: When purchasing seafood, any person acting as a purchasing agent for a state agency, board, commission, department, or other instrumentality of the state, or for a parish, municipality, or other unit of local government, must purchase Louisiana seafood if the following condition is met:

The cost of Louisiana seafood does not exceed the cost of seafood obtained from outside the state by more than 10 percent. In other words, if Louisiana seafood is within 10% of the price of non-Louisiana seafood, it should be chosen.

Price comparison threshold: The explicit benchmark is that Louisiana seafood must be no more than 10% more expensive than out-of-state seafood to qualify for preference.

Availability exception: The preference does not apply if sufficient quantities of Louisiana seafood are not available. In such cases, purchases may be made from non-Louisiana sources to meet demand.

Statutory addition: The measure adds a new statute, R.S. 39:1604.8, to codify the preference rule and exception.

Affected Parties and Scope

Purchasing agents: Individuals responsible for acquiring seafood on behalf of state agencies and local government entities.

Public entities: State agencies, boards, commissions, departments, and other instruments of the state, as well as parishes, municipalities, or other local government units.

Seafood suppliers: Louisiana-based fisheries and processors that harvest, take, or land seafood in Louisiana.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Effective date and enactment: The bill establishes the policy by adding to the Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S. 39) as Section 1604.8. The specific effective date would be determined when the bill is enacted and signed into law.

Operational implementation: Agencies would need to assess availability, compare pricing (Louisiana vs. non-Louisiana), and document determinations when Louisiana seafood is within the 10% price threshold or when Louisiana supply is insufficient.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Economic impact: Could bolster demand for Louisiana seafood, supporting local fishermen and processors and potentially preserving or creating local jobs.

Market dynamics: May influence bidding and procurement practices; suppliers will need to ensure competitive pricing to capitalize on the preference.

Logistical considerations: Agencies must verify availability of Louisiana seafood before exercising the preference, which could require updated procurement catalogs and supplier outreach.

Limitations: The bill does not mandate a particular purchase if Louisiana seafood is more expensive than non-Louisiana options by more than 10% or is unavailable.

This bill aims to balance preference for local seafood with cost considerations and supplier availability.

Bill