HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6562

BYSenators Bailey, Gaspard, Warnke, Patterson, Deccio, Barr and Garrett

Changing the custodian of the revolving fund for the agricultural research facility at the Rainier school farm at Washington State University.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Rayburn, Chair; Kremen, Vice Chair; Baugher, Brooks, Chandler, Grant, Holm, R. King, McLean, Moyer, Nealey and Rasmussen.

House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

FEBRUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Washington State University (WSU) operates a dairy and research facility at the Rainier school farm.  Funds generated through the operation of this facility are deposited in the Dairy/Forage Facility Revolving Fund which is not subject to appropriation.  Although the Fund is in the custody of the State Treasurer, monies from the Fund are disbursed by WSU.

SUMMARY:

The Dairy/Forage Facility Revolving Fund managed by Washington State University is no longer in the custody of the State Treasurer.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Taken from testimony on identical House measure, HB 1813):  Arlen Davison, Washington State University; and Dan Coyne, Washington State Dairymen's Federation.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Taken from testimony on identical House measure, HB 1813):  (1) The bill will allow WSU to use the same accounting procedures for the Rainier school farm as it uses for its other revolving funds.  (2) An account in the custody of the State Treasurer must remain in the black.  The farm purchases things such as hay in bulk and seasonally to save money.  As a result, it must occasionally operate temporarily in the red until the farm income covers the cost of the bulk purchase.  The account balances overall.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.