Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1171

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Changing Washington beer commission provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan and Newhouse.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Eliminates the definition of "affected producer."

  • Redefines "producer" to include all licensed persons or entities that produce beer in Washington – not just Washington licensed persons or entities that annually produce less than 100,000 barrels of beer per location.

  • Allows the Washington Beer Commission to continue to receive gifts, grants, and endowments from public and private sources by removing the termination date.

  • Removes references to expired provisions.

Hearing Date: 2/5/09

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339)

Background:

In 2006, legislation was enacted to establish the Washington Beer Commission (Commission). Creation of the Commission was contingent upon approval of the affected producers who are Washington-licensed brewers producing less than 100,000 barrels annually. A vote of the affected licensed craft breweries was held in the fall of 2006 in favor of creating the Commission.The Commission will research and market Washington-produced beer, with oversight by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. To fund its activities, the Commission is authorized to assess producers a fee of 10 cents per barrel produced and to sell beer at beer festivals.

Summary of Bill:

A producer is a person or other entity licensed by the state to produce beer within Washington.

The Commission may indefinitely receive gifts, grants, and endowments from public and private sources.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.