HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6229
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. |
As Passed House:
February 28, 2010
Title: An act relating to the dairy inspection program.
Brief Description: Extending to 2015 the assessment levied under RCW 15.36.551 to support the dairy inspection program.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler and Ranker; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/19/10, 2/23/10 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/28/10, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Ormsby, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Smith, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jacks, Kretz, Liias, McCoy, Nelson, Pearson, Rolfes, Van De Wege and Warnick.
Staff: Leslie Ryan-Connelly (786-7166).
Background:
The dairy inspection program at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is intended to maintain compliance with the pasteurized milk ordinance of the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. The National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to ensure safe milk products through the development of standards such as the one for "Grade A" pasteurized milk.
The assessment for the dairy inspection program was first approved in 1992. The assessment rate is capped at $0.0054 per 100 pounds of milk. The assessment is set in rule by the WSDA and is $0.00535 per 100 pounds of milk. The assessment is collected by the WSDA. Funds collected from the assessment are deposited in the Dairy Inspection Account of the Agricultural Local Account. Funds may only be used for dairy industry inspection services. Authority to collect the assessment expires June 30, 2010.
Summary of Bill:
The expiration date of the dairy inspection assessment is extended from June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2015.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The dairy inspection program is important to allow milk to be exported out of state. Fees are paid by the industry to ensure milk safety.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Jeff Canaan, Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.