SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6212

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1992

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

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

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

Staff:  John Stuhlmiller (786‑7446)

Hearing Dates: February 6, 1992

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.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one