SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 5098

                        AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 6, 1991

Brief Description:  Extending the coverage of processor liens.

SPONSORS:Senate Committee on Agriculture & Water Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Hansen, Newhouse, Gaspard, Bailey, Conner, Amondson, Bauer and L. Smith).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5098 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Conner, Gaspard, Hansen, and Newhouse. 

Staff:  John Stuhlmiller (786‑7446)

Hearing Dates:January 29, 1991; February 8, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The list of agricultural commodities covered by the processor lien statute does not specifically include dairy products.  The current legal matter involving dairy producers and the Foremost Dairy has raised the issue of whether dairy products are covered by the statute.

SUMMARY:

The definition of agricultural products for purposes of the processor lien is modified to specifically include dairy products and aquaculture products.

The possibility of a processor paying twice for the same raw products is eliminated.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill clarifies that milk is covered by the processor lien and is needed.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Trevor Sandison, Washington Bankers Association (pro); Jim Zimmerman, Trout Lodge, Washington Fish Growers Association (pro)