SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1415
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 of March 20, 2009
Title: An act relating to sales of wine at the legislative gift center.
Brief Description: Providing for the sales of wine at the legislative gift center.
Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Hasegawa, Haler, Hunt, Armstrong, Eddy, Newhouse, Conway, Wood, Williams, Johnson, Chase, Upthegrove, Condotta, Moeller and Ormsby).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/12/09, 85-11.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 3/19/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)
Background: The Legislative Gift Center (gift center) was created in 2007 and is authorized to sell Washington products, souvenirs, and items bearing the state seal. The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate are charged with governance of the gift center. Profits from gift center sales are deposited into the Legislative Oral History Account; the Washington State Legacy Project, State Library, and Archives Account; and the Capitol Furnishings Preservation Committee Account.
Summary of Bill: The gift center may sell wine produced in Washington by a licensed winery for off-premises consumption. Wine may only be sold to individuals 21 years of age or older for personal use, and must be purchased from a licensed wine distributor or manufacturer. The gift center must collect and remit applicable taxes to the Department of Revenue. To select wines for sale, the gift center is directed to consult with the Washington Wine Commission, which must consider award-winning wines in assisting the gift center.
Provisions in the liquor laws do not apply to or prevent the gift center from selling wine produced in Washington.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 18, 2009.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a good little bill. This state has really invested in the wine industry. We have brought it from nowhere to now where we are the second largest quality wine producer in the United States. Washington State University has an education program in wine viticulture, as do other institutions of higher education in Washington. This is a good way to showcase our wine products and success.
OTHER: We have concerns because beer is not included in the bill. Washington is the number one hops producer in the world and it should be included in the Legislative Gift Center. The Senate version of this bill includes beer and we would like to include beer along with wine.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hasegawa, prime sponsor.
OTHER: Heather McClung, Washington Brewers Guild/Schooner Exact Brewing; Janelle Pritchard, Washington Brewers Guild/Snoqualmie Falls Brewing.