HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] create an exemption from state licensing for certain homemade or farm-produced foods sold directly to consumers. It defines "farm food products," distinguishes between hazardous and non-hazardous items, and sets requirements for labeling, sanitation, transportation, and tax registration. Only producers on USDA-registered residential farms are eligible, and sales are capped at $50,000 annually. Hazardous foods must be sold directly or at farmers markets and transported under strict conditions. Cannabidiol or THC products are prohibited. LDH retains authority to investigate foodborne illness.

Proposes regulations for the production and sale of homemade food in Louisiana.

Key Provisions:

• Definitions:
• Homemade food: Food produced and, if packaged, packaged at the private residence of the producer.
• Non-potentially hazardous food: Homemade food that doesn't require time or temperature control for safety.
• Potentially hazardous food: Homemade food that requires time or temperature control to ensure safety.
• Exemptions from State Sanitary Code:
• Homemade food producers would be exempt from certain state Sanitary Code provisions, specifically those related to equipment, design, construction, utensils, supplies, preparation, or services, except as outlined in the bill.
• Requirements for Homemade Food Producers:
• Sales can be conducted in person or remotely (e.g., online or via telephone).
• All homemade food must be labeled with:
• A statement indicating production in a private residence exempt from state licensing and inspection.
• The producer's name, address, and telephone number.
• A list of ingredients in descending order of predominance.
• Use of pasteurized milk or milk products is mandatory in potentially hazardous foods.
• Production areas must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, free from domestic pets during food preparation.
• Equipment used must be clean, sanitary, and made of non-corroding, smooth, impervious materials.
• Sales of homemade food containing cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol are prohibited.
• Producers are responsible for collecting any applicable sales and use taxes.
• Additional Requirements for Potentially Hazardous Foods:
• Delivery must be made directly to the consumer by the producer or an employee.
• During transportation, appropriate temperatures must be maintained to ensure food safety.
• Transportation should not exceed two hours or occur more than once.
• Sales and Shipping of Non-Potentially Hazardous Foods:
• Producers may sell and ship these foods to individuals or retailers for resale.
• Examples include baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, pies), candies, and cane syrup.

Proposes changes to the compensation structure for members of Louisiana's Committee on Parole and the Board of Pardons.

Current Compensation Structure:

• Chairman: Annual salary not to exceed $50,000.
• Vice Chairman: Annual salary not to exceed $47,000.
• At-Large Appointees and Other Members (excluding the ex officio member): Annual salary not to exceed $44,000.

These salaries are authorized by executive order of the governor, and members are reimbursed for necessary travel and other expenses incurred in their official duties. 

Proposed Changes in HB 171:

• Compensation Authorization: The annual compensation rates for members, excluding the ex officio member, will continue to be set by executive order of the governor.
• Salary Structure:
• Chairman: To receive a salary 10% higher than that of a standard board or committee member.
• Vice Chairman: To receive a salary 5% higher than that of a standard board or committee member.
• At-Large Appointees and Other Members (excluding the ex officio member): To receive a base salary as determined by the governor's executive order.

The bill maintains provisions for members to be reimbursed for necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties. Salaries and expenses will be paid from the general operating fund of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, as authorized by the department's secretary.

Implications:

The bill seeks to establish a clear hierarchy in compensation. The actual salary amounts remain subject to the governor's discretion through executive orders, allowing for flexibility in addressing budgetary considerations and policy priorities.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments technical except Amendments 2 and 3 [LINKED] which exempt residential use and define "onshore"

Requires permits from the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) for certain renewable energy projects, specifically battery storage and onshore wind.

Key Provisions: 

- Prohibits installation of renewable energy storage batteries without a DENR permit. 

- Prohibits construction or completion of onshore wind projects without a DENR permit. 

- Permits will only be issued if the operator provides proof of financial security and a decommissioning plan. 

- Authorizes DENR to adopt rules and regulations to implement and enforce the law.

Purpose: 

To establish state oversight and regulatory requirements for battery storage and onshore wind energy projects, ensuring accountability and proper decommissioning.

Adds: R.S. 30:1131 and 1141.

Implications: this requires solar companies to offset some of the damage they do. The only drawback would be that when you assess a fee, it's further cements the likelihood the industry will stay in place. CONFER with BRETT GEYMANN on this one.

Allows the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to charge habitat conversion fees on large-scale solar projects (10 acres or more).

Key Provisions:

• A per-acre fee will be imposed to offset damage to wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and ecosystems caused by solar facility construction.
• Fees will be based on factors like location, property value, habitat rarity, species presence, and restoration costs.
• Fees must only cover the department’s review and mitigation costs.
• Money collected goes into the Conservation Fund and must be used for habitat protection or restoration.
• This bill only takes effect if HB 615 (2025 session) also becomes law.

Implications: Mitigates some of the damage but also creates a funding stream that's always a bad idea when you're trying to get rid of whatever it is that's feeding a money stream with fees.

Authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to impose fees on large-scale solar power facilities (10 acres or more) to offset the loss of agricultural resources, contingent on the enactment of HB 615.

Key Provisions:

• Applies to solar projects with a footprint of 10 acres or more.
• Department must adopt rules, in consultation with LSU AgCenter, to develop a uniform method for calculating annual per-acre fees.
• Fee calculations may be based on average crop yields, commodity type (e.g., sugarcane, corn, livestock, timber), or other relevant factors.
• Total fees cannot exceed the cost of conducting required reviews and mitigating agricultural resource losses.
• Creates the Solar Conversion Fund in the state treasury for fee revenue, which can only be used for review and mitigation purposes.
• Becomes effective only if HB 615 is enacted.