FINAL 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.

C 17 L 10

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development

House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

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). 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: 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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

47

1

House

96

0

Effective:

June 10, 2010