Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2624

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 the authority of the director of the department of agriculture with respect to certain examinations and examination fees.

Sponsors: Representatives Shewmake, Kretz, Blake, Dent and Lekanoff; by request of Department of Agriculture.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Specifies that the Department of Agriculture (WSDA) may contract with a public or private third-party entity to administer pesticide and pest control licensing examinations, collection of examination fees, or both.

  • Authorizes the WSDA to direct license applicants to pay examination license fees to the third party.

Hearing Date: 1/24/20

Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).

Background:

All individuals who are licensed or who are required to be licensed as pesticide applicators, pesticide operators, structural pest inspectors, and pest control consultants must be certified through examination in the area in which they operate or consult. To be certified, a person must attain a passing score of 70 percent on a certification examination. Examinations are administered by the Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and the WSDA collects a fee from the applicant for each exam at an amount set in rule.

License classifications address the control of a variety of pests, including insects and diseases, pest animals in agricultural situations, aquatic pests both generally and in irrigation systems, and weeds. There are also licenses for Pest Control Operators and Structural Pest Inspectors.

Summary of Bill:

The Director of the Department of Agriculture (WSDA) may contract with a public or private third party to administer examinations related to pesticide and pest control licensing, collection of examination fees, or both. Examinations offered by a third party must be the same as would be offered by the WSDA. The WSDA may direct applicants to pay the fees to the third-party administering the examination in accordance with WSDA rules governing third-party examinations and fees.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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