FINAL BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6212

                                   C 87 L 92

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Authorizing the fruit commission to change assessments for fruits and classifications.

SPONSORS: Senators Anderson, Bailey, Barr, Gaspard, Newhouse, Sellar, Jesernig and Bauer

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & WATER RESOURCES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND:

The Tree Fruit Commission is empowered to establish classifications of soft tree fruits, conduct scientific research on the value of such fruits, promote the soft tree fruit industry, increase the production of soft tree fruits, and develop and expand the markets of the soft tree fruit industry.  Soft tree fruits include:  Bartlett pears, cherries, apricots, prunes, plums, peaches, and nectarines.

SUMMARY:

The cap on the assessment that may be levied by the Tree Fruit Commission on producers of soft tree fruit is increased from $12 to $18 per 2,000 pounds of fruit except for cherries and pears.  The cap for cherries is increased from $20 to $30 per 2,000 pounds of fruit, and the cap for pears is increased from $14 to $18 per 2,000 pounds of fruit.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      45    1

House 93    0

EFFECTIVE:  June 11, 1992