SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1538
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 of April 8, 2011
Title: An act relating to animal health inspections.
Brief Description: Regarding animal health inspections.
Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Buys, Blake, Chandler, Taylor, Orcutt, Hinkle, Haler, Johnson and Warnick).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/26/11, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 3/08/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)
Background: The State Veterinarian has responsibilities for safeguarding animal health and responding to animal health incidents. The state Animal Health Program's objectives are to prevent the importation and spread of communicable diseases in livestock and other animals. This program in the Department of Agriculture works with other state and federal health agencies on control of diseases that can affect both animals and humans such as avian influenza and tuberculosis. The State Veterinarian also works with federal animal health officials and other state's animal health officials to prevent and respond to animal disease threats. The state Animal Health Program monitors communicable disease outbreaks that are occurring in other countries such as the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Korea that is resulting in large animal liquidation in that country.
Livestock and other animals are routinely transported into and out of the state to other states and countries. A number of mechanisms are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious, contagious, and communicable diseases while facilitating commerce. Certificates of veterinary inspection and other forms of health papers are the means of safeguarding animal health while facilitating commerce.
Summary of Bill: Explicit authority is provided to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to determine when a certificate of veterinary inspection, import health papers, permits, or other transportation documents must designate a destination with a physical address for animals entering Washington State and when those animals must be delivered or transported directly to that location. It is a violation for designated animals to be delivered at a location other than the required location. The DOA director is authorized to adopt by rule when a delivery to a specific address will be required.
Flexibility is provided in charging for reimbursement for the cost of investigations including inspection of animals and related records. The current charge is $85 per hour and this is changed to up to $85 per hour. Authority is provided to increase fees by rule.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: None.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill helps the State Veterinarian's ability to work in tracking animals imported into the state for disease traceability purposes. It makes it illegal to deliver livestock to a different address other than the one listed on the health papers.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Buys, prime sponsor; Tom Davis, Department of Agriculture; Jack Field, Washington Cattlemen's Association; Heather Hansen, Cattle Producers of Washington; Ed Field, Washington Cattle Feeders Association; Jay Gordon, Washington State Dairy Federation.