SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6325

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 Passed Senate, February 15, 2016

Title: An act relating to aligning the alcohol content definition of cider with the federal definition.

Brief Description: Aligning the alcohol content definition of cider with the federal definition.

Sponsors: Senators Baumgartner, Ranker and Bailey.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/29/16, 1/29/16 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/15/16, 42-6.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: Cider is defined as a table wine that contains not less than 0.5 percent and not more than 7 percent of alcohol by volume (ABV). Cider is made from the alcoholic fermentation of the juice of apples or pears and may be flavored, sparkling, or carbonated.

On December 18, 2015, Congress amended the federal definition of cider by increasing the maximum amount of ABV from 7 percent to 8.5 percent.

Summary of Bill: The maximum amount of ABV for cider is increased from 7 percent to 8.5 percent.

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: Ciders are made from natural products and it is difficult for the brewers to predict the specific ABV when making the cider. It is a good idea to align the state definition of cider with the new federal definition.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Melissa Gombosky, Northwest Agriculture Business Center.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.