AR HB1854

Expands definition of "catfish-like" species to include genus Pangasius and families Claridae and Siluridae in addition to family Ictaluridae catfish.

Establishes civil penalties for distributors, processors, wholesalers, or retailers selling fish mislabeled as catfish or catfish-like: $500-$1,000 for first violation, $800-$2,000 for second violation within 3 years, and $1,500-$2,500 for third violation within 3 years.

Requires catfish and catfish-like products offered for retail sale to be labeled as "Farm-Raised Catfish," "River or Lake Catfish," "Imported Catfish," or "Ocean Catfish" based on production method and origin.

Requires restaurants to identify catfish and catfish-like product sources on menus or provide general disclosure with option for customers to request specific origin information upon request.

Effective January 1, 2016, with Arkansas Bureau of Standards required to publish notice of the act on its website within 30 days of passage.