Bill > H1939

This bill strengthens consumer protections and ensures proper labeling of fish sold in the Commonwealth by defining specific fish species and prohibiting the sale of certain types of fish unless they are accurately identified. Specifically, it defines "Escolar" (also known as walu or snake mackerel, scientifically *lepidocybium flavobrunneum*) and "Oilfish" (*ruvettus pretiosus*) and prohibits their sale in the Commonwealth, with penalties for violations including fines and license suspension or revocation. The bill also mandates that fish sold as Atlantic Cod must be of the species *gadus morhua*, Atlantic Halibut must be *hippoglossus hippoglossus*, Grey Sole must be *glyptocephalus cynoglossus*, and Red Snapper must be *lutjanus campechanus*, with similar penalties for mislabeling. Furthermore, it grants the commissioners of the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Public Health, along with their inspectors, the authority to inspect fish for sale, examine their sanitary condition, and ensure accurate labeling, with provisions for seizing and destroying unfit fish and imposing fines and license actions for violations related to mislabeling or interfering with inspections.