SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6278
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, Water, Natural Resources & Parks, January 25, 2018
Title: An act relating to the use of seed certification fees.
Brief Description: Concerning the use of seed certification fees.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Schoesler and Chase.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/18/18, 1/25/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Van De Wege, Chair; McCoy, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Member; Honeyford and Nelson.
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: The Washington State Seed Act (Seed Act) serves to provide uniformity and consistency in the packaging of agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers the Seed Act. The program conducts pre-harvest field inspections and laboratory testing of agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds grown under the seed program.
The program tests seed samples submitted by seed growers and companies to determine compliance with purity and germination standards, and to certify seeds for domestic and international marketing. The program provides for labeling of seeds in commerce.
Summary of Bill: Fees collected for certifying seeds may be used for services involving breeder seed, foundation seed, registered seed, and certified seed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill comes from the Washington State Crop Improvement Association. The seed certification program and seed improvement program has been in existence for a number of years. This bill helps to clarify that WSDA can use these fees for foundation seeds as well as certification seeds.
OTHER: This bill clarifies WSDA's ability to use funds collected from the certification process with the registered seed, foundation seed, and breeder seed process. Currently, the law needs clarification because it does not allow this flexibility. The certification process is like the tip of a pyramid and includes inspection in all three classes outside of certified seed and the funding comes from the certification process. By allowing these funds to be used to conduct those operations, it will allow WSDA to continue to provide that seed purity remains in place and there are viable crops in the future.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Judy Warnick, Prime Sponsor. OTHER: Jason Ferrante, WSDA.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.