HB66 Summary

• Requires food service establishments to notify consumers of the country of origin or importation status of seafood products (fish and shellfish) offered for sale, either on menus, placards, labels, or signage.

• Mandates differentiation between farm-raised fish and wild fish using the same labeling methods as country of origin disclosure, applying only to fish and shrimp (not crab, lobster, oyster, crayfish, clam, or scallops).

• Establishes a graduated civil penalty schedule for violations within 24 months: first offense is written warning; second offense $100; third offense $250; fourth offense $500; fifth and subsequent offenses $1,000.

• Provides safe harbor for food service establishments that unknowingly violate the law due to good faith reliance on supplier attestations regarding country of origin.

• Exempts retailers already complying with federal country-of-origin labeling requirements, hospitals, and groups of 10 or more people with preordered meals; effective date October 1, 2024.