FINAL BILL REPORT
EHB 2073
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 256 L 17
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning the beef commission.
Sponsors: Representatives Dent and Buys.
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Trade & Economic Development
Background:
The Washington State Beef Commission (Beef Commission) is a nine-member board, eight of whom are appointed by the Director of the Department of Agriculture (Director), with the Director acting as the ninth member. Each commissioner serves a three-year term. The Beef Commission is funded by a $1.50 per head assessment on all cattle sold in the state. Of the $1.50, $1 stays in the state for local beef promotion, and 50 cents is remitted to the national Cattlemen's Beef Board.
The Beef Commission is required to prepare a budget each year that covers the anticipated income and expenses to be incurred in carrying out the Beef Commission's obligations.
The Beef Commission is directed to take such steps as are necessary to carry on programs that are beneficial to the beef industry.
Summary:
The focus of the Washington State Beef Commission (Beef Commission) includes the following responsibilities:
promotion of the beef industry in a manner that showcases the varied aspects of the industry;
research and education related to the health and safety of beef, in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington State University, other institutions of higher learning as appropriate, and other governmental or nongovernmental institutions doing research on trade or health issues;
support to the beef industry to establish marketing, grading, and standardizing of beef and beef products; and
promotion of increased consumption of beef and beef products.
The list of actions the Beef Commission is directed to take to promote the beef industry is expanded to include protecting the public in reference to sustainable stewardship of cattle and the environment and supporting and engaging in programs and activities that benefit the care and well-being of cattle.
The list of plans, programs, and projects that the Beef Commission must submit for approval to the Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture is expanded to include the establishment, effectuation, and administration of research, education, and programs related to health and safety of cattle, beef, and beef products.
The Beef Commission required to provide for programs designed to support sustainable stewardship of cattle and the environment, to provide for research to develop materials, education, and programs related to health and safety of beef and beef products and the sustainable stewardship of cattle and the environment, and to make grants to research agencies for studies related to beef health, which may include funds for the acquisition of equipment and facilities.
The Beef Commission's budget must set forth the complete and detailed financial program of the Beef Commission. The budget must explain any major changes to financial policy and must describe performance indicators that demonstrate measurable progress toward the Beef Commission's priorities. The budget must be sufficiently detailed to provide transparency for the Beef Commission's actions on behalf of the beef industry.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 91 | 7 | |
Senate | 49 | 0 |
Effective: | July 23, 2017 |