1. A. Any interested person may submit a petition for the adoption of a new rule, or the amendment or repeal of an existing rule in this Title.

2. B. A petition for a rule change shall be in writing, signed by the petitioner, containing the following:

   1. 1. the petitioner’s name, address, telephone number, and email address;
   2. 2. a statement indicating whether the request involves adoption, amendment, repeal, or a combination of;
   3. 3. citation of the statutory authority for a new rule or reference to the existing rule for amendments or repeals;
   4. 4. the proposed change with a summary of supporting facts; and
   5. 5. relevant statutory citations, if known.
3. C. Any petition that does not comply with the requirements in this Section shall be returned to the petitioner with an attached statement explaining why the petition is incomplete.
4. D. Unless otherwise requested by statute or rule, all petitions for a rule change shall be addressed to the commissioner of agriculture and forestry and shall be mailed or delivered to Legal Division, 5825 Florida Blvd, Suite 2000, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

5. E. If the petition relates to a rule within the commissioner’s rulemaking authority, the petition shall be considered as follows:

   1. 1. review the requested rule change;

   2. 2. within 90 days of submission, the department shall either:

      1. a. deny the petition in writing, providing reasons for the denial; or
      2. b. initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

6. F. If the petition relates to a rule over which a public body within the department has authority, the petition shall be considered as follows:

   1. 1. The petition shall be considered by the public body’s at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
   2. 2. The petitioner shall be provided with adequate notice of the meeting.

   3. 3. Within 90 days of the submission of the petition, the public body shall either;

      1. a. deny the petition in writing, stating reasons for the denial; or
      2. b. initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:953, R.S. 49:964, R.S. 3:3.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LR 18:144 (February 1992), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of the Commissioner, LR 51:782 (June 2025).