SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5778

                       AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 15, 1991

Brief Description:  Requiring persons filing reports of pesticide damage to cooperate with the department of agriculture.

SPONSORS:Senators Newhouse and Hansen.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  John Stuhlmiller (786‑7446)

Hearing Dates:February 26, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Concern has been expressed over the ability of the Department of Agriculture to conduct pesticide damage report investigations.  Currently, claimants are not required to allow the department access to the property alleged to have been damaged in the pesticide damage report.

SUMMARY:

A person filing a report of loss with the Department of Agriculture is required to cooperate with the department or the department's representative in conducting an investigation of the report.  Failure to cooperate will result in the claim not being acted on by the department.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

TESTIMONY FOR:

Those accused of damage due to pesticide drift need to know whether actual damage has been done.  Claim filers should be required to show the damage.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Randy Ray, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (pro)