Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2092

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.

Brief Description: Concerning huckleberry buyers retaining and disclosing records to law enforcement.

Sponsors: Representatives Mosbrucker, Chapman, Dye and Eslick.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires huckleberry buyers to retain documentation for purchased huckleberries at least one year from the date of purchase.

Hearing Date: 1/14/20

Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).

Background:

In order to harvest and sell raw or unprocessed huckleberries, a person must obtain a specialized forest product permit from the sheriff of the county where the huckleberries are harvested, or for huckleberries harvested on federal United States Forest Service land. Buyers of wild huckleberries and specialized forest products must collect and record information regarding purchased products. Necessary information is enumerated in statute and includes:

Specialized forest product buyers must retain this information and any accompanying documentation for one year from the date of purchase and make records available to enforcement officers upon request. Records of specialized forest product buyers and huckleberry buyers may be made available to colleges and universities for research purposes.

Summary of Bill:

Huckleberry buyers must retain information and any accompanying documentation collected on huckleberries bought for one year from the date of purchase, and make those records available to law enforcement officers upon request.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.