SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2461
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, February 22, 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: Representatives Blake, Chandler, Van De Wege and Moeller; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 2/18/10, 2/22/10 [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: To ship fluid milk and milk products across state lines, Washington Department of Agriculture administers a milk inspection program in accordance with standards established by the National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS). These same standards apply to milk produced and sold within the state. A milk assessment fee is assessed to support the dairy inspection program, and to maintain compliance with the provisions of the NCIMS and the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.
The current authority to collect the milk assessment expires on June 30, 2010.
Summary of Bill: The current authority to assess milk processed in the state is extended until June 30, 2015. The current maximum assessment level of fifty-four one-hundredths of one cent per hundred weight is retained.
The funds will continue to be deposited in the dairy inspection account within the agricultural local fund. The funds will continue to be used only to provide inspection services to the dairy industry.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960].
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 bill simply extends for an additional five years the assessment that provides funds for the milk inspection program. It is important to maintain the ability to comply with requirements for the interstate shipment of milk.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Chris Cheney, Washington State Dairy Federation; Jeff Canaan, Department of Agriculture; Dan Coyne, Dairygold.