SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1682
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture & Rural Economic Development, March 16, 2009
Title: An act relating to horticultural pest and disease boards.
Brief Description: Concerning horticultural pest and disease boards.
Sponsors: Representatives Newhouse, Kretz, Chandler, Upthegrove, Johnson and Ross.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 3/16/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hatfield, Chair; Ranker, Vice Chair; Schoesler, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Haugen, Morton and Shin.
Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)
Background: All counties, either on the initiative of the county legislative authority or upon the petition of 25 county residents, are permitted to create horticultural pest and disease boards (boards). The boards are empowered to field complaints concerning pest and horticultural disease infestations in the county, inspect any parcel in the county for pests or disease, and order landowners to control and prevent pests. Boards are also authorized to conduct pest and disease control operations on private property and charge the landowner for the expense.
All boards have five voting members, four are appointed by county commissioners and one is appointed by the Director of the Department of Agriculture. Four of the appointees must own land in the county, live in the county, and be involved in the primary and commercial production of horticultural products. The fifth appointee must possess a practical knowledge of horticultural diseases and pests. Board members serve two-year terms without salary.
Summary of Bill: If no qualified candidates live in the county, a nonresident who owns property in the county and is involved in the primary and commercial production of horticultural products may be appointed to a board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: The role of pest and disease boards is important to assure that fruits meet requirements so they can be exported. In the fruit growing area of one county, the orchardists are all residents of an adjacent county. This bill allows a person to be a nonresident to serve on county plant pest and disease control boards if no other qualified candidates are available.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Kretz; Dave Ducharme, Yakima Valley Growers and Shippers Association.