SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5350
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 April 8, 2009
Title: An act relating to special permits for poultry slaughter, preparation, and sale.
Brief Description: Changing special permit provisions for poultry slaughter, preparation, and care.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Ranker and Hatfield.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 1/26/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)
Background: In 2003 a process was established whereby a chicken producer may obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture (department) for the slaughter and sale of 1,000 or fewer chickens per year directly to the ultimate consumer at the producer's farm. The legislation provided authority to the department to adopt rules to establish the requirements for the permit. The cost of obtaining the permit is $75.
There is interest by producers of other kinds of poultry such as turkeys and ducks to be eligible to obtain the same permit.
Summary of Bill: Instead of being limited to chickens, other poultry producers are eligible to obtain a special permit for the slaughter of poultry. The permit allows for the slaughter of up to 1,000 poultry in a calendar year directly to the ultimate consumer at the producer's farm. Activities conducted under the permit are exempt from any other licensing requirements of the chapter.
In developing the rules to govern the program, the requirements must be generally patterned after those established by the State Board of Health for temporary food service establishments, but must be tailored specifically to poultry slaughter, preparation, and sale activities. The department must conduct inspections to ensure compliance with permit requirements.
The permit continues to cost $75 and expires on December 31 each year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: 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: There is a high consumer demand for Heritage Breed turkeys, such as the Slate Blue breed, sold directly from the farm to the consumer. The current permit now available only for processing of chickens needs to be expanded for other types of poultry.
Persons Testifying: PRO: David Bauermeister, Maryon Attwood, Northwest Agriculture Business Center; Karry L. Brooks, Laughing Ducks and Barking Dogs Farm.