SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1212

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 15, 2011

Title: An act relating to the authority of the department of agriculture to accept and expend gifts.

Brief Description: Authorizing the department of agriculture to accept and expend gifts.

Sponsors: Representatives Lytton, Smith, Blake and Warnick; by request of Department of Agriculture.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/22/11, 93-1.

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 3/08/11, 3/15/11 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Hatfield, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Haugen, Hobbs, Honeyford and Schoesler.

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: The authority to accept and expend gifts, grants, and other contributions from public and private sources has been provided to some state agencies, but has not been granted to the Department of Agriculture.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The Director of the Department of Agriculture may accept, expend, and retain gifts, grants, bequests, or other contributions from public or private sources to carry out the purposes and programs of the department.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): An amendment was added to allow that surplus campaign funds may be transferred to the Department of Agriculture's Food Assistance Program for distribution to food banks.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: None.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This is a simple bill that provides authority to provide gifts to the Department of Agriculture to help them fund specific programs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Lytton, prime sponsor; Tom Davis, Department of Agriculture.