Z-0460

AN ACT Relating to the administration of licenses by the department of agriculture; amending RCW 15.32.100, 15.32.110, 15.32.584, 16.49.440, 16.49.442, 16.49.630, 15.80.460, 15.80.470, 15.80.500, 16.58.060, 16.58.095, 16.58.110, 16.58.120, 16.58.130, 16.58.160, 20.01.040, 20.01.050, 20.01.210, 20.01.212, 20.01.370, 20.01.380, 20.01.420, 20.01.440, 22.09.050, 22.09.055, 22.09.070, 22.09.075, 22.09.240, 17.21.070, 17.21.110, 17.21.122, 17.21.126, 17.21.129, 17.21.132, 17.21.140, 17.21.220, 15.58.200, 15.58.210, and 15.58.220; adding a new section to chapter 20.01 RCW; and repealing RCW 16.58.090.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 15.32.100 and 1989 c 354 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

Every person who sells, offers or exposes for sale, barters, or exchanges any milk or milk product as defined by rule under chapter 15.36 RCW must have a milk vendor's license to do so((~~: PROVIDED, That such~~)). The license shall not include retail stores or restaurants ((~~which~~)) that purchase milk prepackaged or bottled elsewhere for sale at retail or establishments ((~~which~~)) that sell milk only for consumption in such establishment. Such license, issued by the director on application and payment of a fee of ten dollars, shall contain the license number, and name, residence and place of business, if any, of the licensee. It shall be nontransferable, shall expire ((~~June 30th subsequent to issue~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director, and may be revoked by the director, upon reasonable notice to the licensee, for any violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation, or order of the department, or any officer or inspector thereof. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 2. RCW 15.32.110 and 1961 c 11 s 15.32.110 are each amended to read as follows:

Every creamery, milk plant, shipping station, milk-condensing plant, factory of milk products, and other person who receives or purchases milk or cream in bulk and by weight or measure or upon the basis of milk fat contained therein shall obtain annually a license to do so. The license shall be issued by the director upon payment of ten dollars and his being satisfied that the building or premises where the milk or cream is to be received is maintained in a sanitary condition in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; except, such license shall not be required of persons purchasing milk or cream for their own consumption nor of hotels, restaurants, boarding houses, eating houses, bakeries, or candy manufacturing plants.

The license shall expire ((~~on June 30th subsequent to date of issue~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director, unless sooner revoked by the director, upon reasonable notice to the licensee, for a failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter, and the rules and regulations issued hereunder. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

A licensee under this section shall not be required to obtain a milk vendor's license.

Sec. 3. RCW 15.32.584 and 1989 c 175 s 46 are each amended to read as follows:

The initial application for a dairy technician's license shall be accompanied by the payment of a license fee of ten dollars. Where such license is renewed and it is not necessary that an examination be given the fee for renewal of the license shall be five dollars. All dairy technicians' licenses shall ((~~be renewed on or before January 1, 1964 and every two years thereafter~~)) expire biennially on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses. The director is authorized to deny, suspend, or revoke any dairy technician's license subject to a hearing if the licensee has failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter, or has exhibited in the discharge of his functions any gross carelessness or lack of qualification, or has failed to comply with the rules and regulations adopted under authority of this chapter. All hearings for the suspension, denial, or revocation of such license shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW concerning adjudicative proceedings.

Sec. 4. RCW 16.49.440 and 1987 c 77 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a custom farm slaughterer or to operate a custom slaughtering establishment or custom meat facility without first obtaining a license from the director. The license shall be an annual license and shall expire on ((~~June 30th of each year~~)) a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses. For custom farm slaughterers, a separate license shall be required for each mobile unit. Each custom slaughtering establishment and custom meat facility shall also require a separate license. Application for a license shall be made on a form prescribed by the director of agriculture and accompanied by a twenty-five dollar annual license fee. The application shall include the full name and address of the applicant. If the applicant is a partnership or corporation, the application shall include the full name and address of each partner or officer. The application shall further state the principal business address of the applicant in the state or elsewhere and the name of a resident of this state authorized to receive and accept service of summons of legal notices of all kinds for the applicant, and any other necessary information prescribed by the director of agriculture. The license shall be issued by the director upon his satisfaction that the applicant's equipment is properly constructed, has the proper sanitary and mechanical equipment and is maintained in a sanitary manner as required under this chapter and/or rules adopted hereunder. The director of agriculture shall also provide for the periodic inspection of equipment used by licensees to assure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted hereunder.

Sec. 5. RCW 16.49.442 and 1985 c 415 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

If the application for the renewal of any license provided for under this chapter is not filed prior to ((~~July 1st in any year~~)) the expiration date, an additional fee of twenty-five dollars shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license shall be issued: PROVIDED, That the additional fee shall not be charged if the applicant furnishes an affidavit certifying that the applicant has not carried on the activity for which the applicant was licensed under this chapter subsequent to the expiration of the applicant's license.

Sec. 6. RCW 16.49.630 and 1971 ex.s. c 98 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a custom meat facility without first obtaining an annual license from the department of agriculture. Application for such license shall be on a form prescribed by the department and accompanied by a twenty-five dollar license fee. Such application shall include the full name of the applicant, if such applicant is an individual, receiver, or trustee; and the full name of each member of the firm or the names of the officers of the corporation if such applicant is a firm or corporation. Such application shall further state the principal business address of the applicant in the state and elsewhere and the name of the person domiciled in this state authorized to receive and accept service of legal process of all kinds for the applicant, and the applicant shall supply any other information required by the department. All custom meat facility licenses shall expire ((~~on June 30th of each year~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 7. RCW 15.80.460 and 1971 ex.s. c 292 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

The director shall issue a license to an applicant upon his satisfaction that the applicant has satisfied the requirements of this chapter and the rules adopted hereunder and that such applicant is of good moral character, not less than eighteen years of age, and has the ability to weigh accurately and make correct certified weight tickets. Any license issued under this chapter shall expire ((~~on June 30th following the date of issuance~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 8. RCW 15.80.470 and 1969 ex.s. c 100 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

If an application for renewal of any license provided for in this chapter is not filed prior to ((~~July of any one year~~)) the expiration date, there shall be assessed and added to the renewal fee as a penalty therefor fifty percent of said renewal fee which shall be paid by the applicant before any renewal license shall be issued((~~: PROVIDED, That such~~)). The penalty shall not apply if the applicant furnishes an affidavit that he has not acted as a weighmaster or weigher subsequent to the expiration of his or her prior license.

Sec. 9. RCW 15.80.500 and 1969 ex.s. c 100 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:

Upon the director's satisfaction that the applicant is of good moral character, has the ability to weigh accurately and make correct certified weight tickets and that he is an employee or agent of the weighmaster, the director shall issue a weigher's license which will expire ((~~on June 30th following the date of issuance~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 10. RCW 16.58.060 and 1971 ex.s. c 181 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~All certified feed lot licenses shall expire on June 30th, subsequent to the date of issue. Any~~)) The director shall establish by rule an expiration date or dates for all certified feed lot licenses. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses. If an application for renewal of a certified feed lot license is not received by the department per the date required by rule or should a person ((~~who~~)) fail((s)), refuse((s)), or neglect((s)) to apply for renewal of a preexisting license on or before the date of expiration, that person shall be assessed an additional twenty-five dollars which shall be added to the regular license fee and shall be paid before the director may issue a license to the applicant((: PROVIDED, That such additional fee shall not be assessed if the applicant furnishes an affidavit certifying that he has not engaged in the business of operating a certified feed lot subsequent to the expiration of his license)).

Sec. 11. RCW 16.58.095 and 1979 c 81 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

All cattle entering or re((-))entering a certified feed lot must be inspected for brands upon entry, unless they are accompanied by a brand inspection certificate issued by the director, or any other agency authorized in any state or Canadian province by law to issue such a certificate. Licensees shall report a discrepancy between cattle entering or reentering a certified feed lot and the brand inspection certificate accompanying the cattle to the nearest brand inspector immediately. A discrepancy may require an inspection of all the cattle entering or reentering the lot, except as may otherwise be provided by rule.

Sec. 12. RCW 16.58.110 and 1971 ex.s. c 181 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

All certified feed lots shall furnish the director with records as requested by him from time to time on all cattle entering or on feed in said certified feed lots and dispersed therefrom. All such records shall be subject to ((~~audit~~)) examination by the director for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the identity of all such cattle. The director ((~~shall cause such audits to be made~~)) may make the examinations only during regular business hours except in an emergency to protect the interest of the owners of such cattle.

Sec. 13. RCW 16.58.120 and 1971 ex.s. c 181 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

The licensee shall maintain sufficient records as required by the director ((~~so that a true audit can be properly performed~~)) at each certified feed lot, if said licensee operates more than one certified feed lot.

Sec. 14. RCW 16.58.130 and 1979 c 81 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

Each licensee shall pay to the director a fee of ten cents for each head of cattle handled through ((~~his~~)) the licensee's feed lot. Payment of such fee shall be made by the licensee ((~~following the completion of an official audit and within fifteen days of billing by the director~~)) on a monthly basis. Failure to pay as required shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of a certified feed lot license. Further, the director shall not renew a certified feed lot license if ((~~an applicant is in arrears as to his audit payments~~)) a licensee has failed to make prompt and timely payments.

Sec. 15. RCW 16.58.160 and 1971 ex.s. c 181 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:

The director ((~~shall~~)) may, when a certified feed lot's conditions become such that the integrity of ((~~an audit conducted~~)) reports or records of the cattle therein becomes doubtful, suspend such certified feed lot's license until such time as the director can conduct ((~~a valid audit as required~~)) an investigation to carry out the purpose of this chapter.

Sec. 16. RCW 20.01.040 and 1989 c 354 s 39 are each amended to read as follows:

No person may act as a commission merchant, dealer, broker, cash buyer, or agent without a license. Any person applying for such a license shall file an application with the director prior to conducting business pursuant to this chapter. No application shall be considered complete unless an effective bond or other acceptable form of security is also filed with the director, as provided under RCW 20.01.210, 20.01.211, or 20.01.212. Each license issued under this chapter shall require renewal on or before ((~~January 1st of each year~~)) the renewal date prescribed by the director by rule. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggered renewals of a license or licenses. The application shall be accompanied by a license fee as prescribed by the director by rule.

Sec. 17. RCW 20.01.050 and 1959 c 139 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

If an application for renewal of a commission merchant, dealer, broker or cash buyer license is not filed prior to ((~~January 1st in any year,~~)) the prescribed renewal date a penalty of ((~~ten dollars~~)) twenty-five percent shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license shall be issued((: PROVIDED, That such penalty shall not apply if the applicant furnishes an affidavit certifying that he has not acted as a commission merchant, dealer, broker or cash buyer subsequent to the expiration of his prior license)).

Sec. 18. RCW 20.01.210 and 1986 c 178 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Before the license is issued to any commission merchant or dealer, or both, the applicant shall execute and deliver to the director a surety bond executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified and authorized to do business in this state as surety. Said bond shall be to the state for the benefit of qualified consignors of agricultural products in this state. All such sureties on a bond, as provided herein, shall be released and discharged from all liability to the state accruing on such bond by giving notice to the principal and the director by certified mail. Upon receipt of such notice the director shall notify the surety and the principal of the effective date of termination which shall be thirty days from the receipt of such notice by the director, but this shall not relieve, release, or discharge the surety from any liability already accrued or which shall accrue before the expiration period provided for above.

(2) The bond for a commission merchant or dealer in hay, straw or turf, forage or vegetable seed shall be not less than fifteen thousand dollars. The actual amount of such bond shall be determined by dividing the annual dollar volume of the licensee's net proceeds or net payments due consignors by twelve and increasing that amount to the next multiple of five thousand dollars, except that the bond amount for dollar volume arising from proprietary seed bailment contracts shall be computed as provided in subsection (4) of this section. Such bond for a new commission merchant or dealer in hay, straw or turf, forage or vegetable seed shall be subject to increase at any time during the licensee's first year of operation based on the average of business volume for any three months. Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the bond shall be not less than three thousand dollars for any other dealer.

(3) The bond for a commission merchant or dealer in livestock shall be not less than ten thousand dollars. The actual amount of such bond shall be determined in accordance with the formula set forth in the packers and stockyard act of 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181), except that a commission merchant or dealer in livestock shall increase ((~~his~~)) the commission merchant's or dealer's bond by five thousand dollars for each agent ((he)) the commission merchant or dealer has endorsed under RCW 20.01.090. A dealer who also acts as an order buyer for other persons who are also licensed and bonded under this chapter or under the packers and stockyards act (7 U.S.C. 181) may subtract that amount of business from the annual gross volume of purchases reported to the director in determining the amount of bond coverage that must be provided and maintained for the purposes of this chapter.

(4) The bond for a commission merchant handling agricultural products other than livestock, hay, straw or turf, forage or vegetable seed shall not be less than seven thousand five hundred dollars. The bond for a dealer handling agricultural products other than livestock, hay, straw or turf, forage or vegetable seed shall not be less than three thousand dollars. The actual amount of such bond shall be determined by dividing the annual dollar volume of the licensee's net proceeds or net payments due consignors by fifty-two and increasing that amount to the next multiple of two thousand dollars. However, bonds above twenty-six thousand dollars shall be increased to the next multiple of five thousand dollars.

(5) When the annual dollar volume of any commission merchant or dealer reaches two million six hundred thousand dollars, the amount of the bond required above this level shall be on a basis of ten percent of the amount arrived at by applying the appropriate formula.

Sec. 19. RCW 20.01.212 and 1977 ex.s. c 304 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

If an applicant for a commission merchant's and/or dealer's license is bonded as a livestock dealer or packer under the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181), as amended, on June 13, 1963, and acts as a commission merchant, packer, and/or a dealer only in livestock as defined in said Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181), the director may accept such bond in lieu of the bond required in RCW 20.01.210 as good and sufficient and issue the applicant a license limited solely to dealing in livestock. A dealer buying and selling livestock who has furnished a bond as required by the packers and stockyards administration to cover acting as order buyer as well as dealer may also act as an order buyer for others under the provisions of this chapter, and all persons who act as order buyers of livestock shall license under this chapter as a livestock dealer: PROVIDED, That the applicant shall furnish the director with a bond approved by the United States secretary of agriculture. Such bond shall be in a minimum amount of ((~~seventy-five hundred~~)) ten thousand dollars. It shall be a violation for the licensee to act as a commission merchant and/or dealer in any other agricultural commodity without first having notified the director and furnishing him with a bond as required under the provisions of RCW 20.01.210, and failure to furnish the director with such bond shall be cause for the immediate suspension of the licensee's license, and revocation subject to a hearing.

Sec. 20. RCW 20.01.370 and 1989 c 354 s 41 are each amended to read as follows:

Every commission merchant taking control of any agricultural products for sale as such commission merchant, shall promptly make and keep for a period of three years, beginning on the day the sale of the product is complete, a correct record showing in detail the following with reference to the handling, sale, or storage of such agricultural products:

(1) The name and address of the consignor.

(2) The date received.

(3) The quality and quantity delivered by the consignor, and where applicable the dockage, tare, grade, size, net weight, or quantity.

(4) An accounting of all sales, including dates, terms of sales, quality and quantity of agricultural products sold, and proof of payments received on behalf of the consignor.

(5) The terms of payment to the producer.

(6) An itemized statement of the charges to be paid by consignor in connection with the sale.

(7) The names and addresses of all purchasers if said commission merchant has any financial interest in the business of said purchasers, or if said purchasers have any financial interest in the business of said commission merchant, directly or indirectly, as holder of the other's corporate stock, as copartner, as lender or borrower of money to or from the other, or otherwise. Such interest shall be noted in said records following the name of any such purchaser.

(8) A lot number or other identifying mark for each consignment, which number or mark shall appear on all sales tags and other essential records needed to show what the agricultural products actually sold for.

(9) Any claim or claims which have been or may be filed by the commission merchant against any person for overcharges or for damages resulting from the injury or deterioration of such agricultural products by the act, neglect or failure of such person and such records shall be open to the inspection of the director and the consignor of agricultural products for whom such claim or claims are made.

Before a commission merchant may handle an agricultural product in a pooling arrangement or accounting, the consignor must have agreed in writing to allow the pooling.

Where a pooling arrangement is agreed to in writing between the consignor and commission merchant, the reporting requirements of subsections (4), (5), (6), and (8) of this section shall apply to the pool rather than to the individual consignor or consignment and the records of the pool shall be available for inspection by any consignor to that pool.

For individual accounting, the commission merchant shall transmit a copy of the record required by this section to the consignor on the same day the final remittance is made to the consignor as required by RCW 20.01.430 as now or hereafter amended.

Sec. 21. RCW 20.01.380 and 1989 c 354 s 42 are each amended to read as follows:

Every dealer or cash buyer purchasing any agricultural products from the consignor thereof shall promptly make and keep for three years a correct record showing in detail the following:

(1) The name and address of the consignor.

(2) The date received.

(3) The terms of the sale.

(4) The quality and quantity delivered by the consignor, and where applicable the dockage, tare, grade, size, net weight, or quantity.

(5) An itemized statement of any charges paid by the dealer or cash buyer for the account of the consignor.

(6) The name and address of the purchaser: PROVIDED, That the name and address of the purchaser may be deleted from the record furnished to the consignor.

((~~(7) A copy of the itemized list of charges required under RCW 20.01.080 in effect on the date the terms of sale were agreed upon.~~))

A copy of such record containing the above matters shall be forwarded to the consignor forthwith.

Livestock dealers must also maintain individual animal identification and disposition records as may be required by law, or regulation adopted by the director.

Sec. 22. RCW 20.01.420 and 1959 c 139 s 42 are each amended to read as follows:

When requested by ((~~his~~)) a consignor, a commission merchant shall((~~, before the close of the next business day following the sale of any agricultural products consigned to him, transmit or deliver to the owner or~~)) promptly make available to the consignor ((~~of the agricultural products a true written report of such sale,~~)) or to the director all records of the ongoing sales of the consignor's agricultural products showing the amount sold, ((~~and~~)) the selling price, and any other information required under RCW 20.01.370.

Sec. 23. RCW 20.01.440 and 1959 c 139 s 44 are each amended to read as follows:

Every commission merchant shall retain a copy of all records covering each transaction for a period of ((~~one year~~)) three years from the date thereof, which copy shall at all times be available for, and open to, the confidential inspection of the director and the consignor, or authorized representative of either. In the event of any dispute or disagreement between a consignor and a commission merchant arising at the time of delivery as to condition, quality, grade, pack, quantity, or weight of any lot, shipment or consignment of agricultural products, the department shall furnish, upon the payment of a reasonable fee therefor by the requesting party, a certificate establishing the condition, quality, grade, pack, quantity, or weight of such lot, shipment or consignment. Such certificate shall be prima facie evidence in all courts of this state as to the recitals thereof. The burden of proof shall be upon the commission merchant to prove the correctness of his accounting as to any transaction which may be questioned.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 24. A new section is added to chapter 20.01 RCW to read as follows:

In the preparation and use of written contracts, it is unlawful for a commission merchant to include in such contracts a requirement that a consignor give up all involvement in determining the time the consignor's agricultural products will be sold. This provision does not apply to agricultural products consigned to a commission merchant under a written pooling agreement.

Sec. 25. RCW 22.09.050 and 1986 c 203 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

Any application for a license to operate a warehouse shall be accompanied by a license fee of four hundred dollars for a terminal warehouse, three hundred dollars for a subterminal warehouse, and one hundred dollars for a country warehouse. If a licensee operates more than one warehouse under one state license as provided for in RCW 22.09.030, the license fee shall be computed by multiplying the number of physically separated warehouses within the station by the applicable terminal, subterminal, or country warehouse license fee. If an application for renewal of a warehouse license or licenses is not received by the department prior to ((~~June 30th of any year,~~)) the renewal date or dates established by the director by rule, a penalty of fifty dollars for the first week and one hundred dollars for each week thereafter shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license may be issued. This penalty does not apply if the applicant furnishes an affidavit certifying that he has not acted as a warehouseman subsequent to the expiration of his prior license.

Sec. 26. RCW 22.09.055 and 1988 c 95 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

An application for a license to operate as a grain dealer shall be accompanied by a license fee of three hundred dollars unless the applicant is also a licensed warehouseman, in which case the fee for a grain dealer license shall be one hundred fifty dollars. The license fee for grain dealers exempted from bonding under RCW 22.09.060 shall be seventy-five dollars.

If an application for renewal of a grain dealer license is not received by the department before ((~~June 30th of any year,~~)) the renewal date or dates established by the director by rule, a penalty of fifty dollars for the first week and one hundred dollars for each week thereafter shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license may be issued. This penalty does not apply if the applicant furnishes an affidavit certifying that he has not acted as a grain dealer after the expiration of his prior license.

Sec. 27. RCW 22.09.070 and 1983 c 305 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:

The department shall issue a warehouse license to an applicant upon its determination that the applicant has facilities adequate for handling and storage of commodities and, if applicable, conditioning, and that the application is in the proper form and upon approval of the matters contained on the application and upon a showing that the applicant has complied with the provisions of this chapter and rules adopted hereunder. The licensee shall immediately upon receipt of the license post it in a conspicuous place in the office of the licensed warehouse or if a station license, in the main office at the station. The license automatically expires on ((~~June 30th after the date of issuance~~)) the date set by rule by the director unless it has been revoked, canceled, or suspended by the department before that date. Fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate the staggering of renewal dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 28. RCW 22.09.075 and 1983 c 305 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:

The department shall issue a grain dealer license to an applicant upon its determination that the application is in its proper form and upon approval of the matters contained on the application and upon a showing that the applicant has complied with the provisions of this chapter and rules adopted hereunder. The licensee shall immediately upon receipt of the license post it in a conspicuous place in its principal place of business. The license expires automatically on ((~~June 30th after the date of issuance~~)) a date set by rule by the director unless it has been revoked, canceled, or suspended by the department before that date. Fees shall be prorated where necessary in order to accommodate staggered renewal of a license or licenses.

Sec. 29. RCW 22.09.240 and 1983 c 305 s 40 are each amended to read as follows:

Every warehouseman shall annually, during the first week in July, publish by posting in a conspicuous place in each of his warehouses the schedule of handling, conditioning, and storage rates filed with the department for the ensuing license year. The schedule shall be kept posted, and the rates shall not be changed during such year except ((~~upon approval of the department~~)) after thirty days' written notice to the director and proper posting of the changes on the licensee's premises.

Sec. 30. RCW 17.21.070 and 1989 c 380 s 37 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of applying pesticides to the land of another without a commercial pesticide applicator license. Application for the license shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars and in addition a fee of ten dollars for each apparatus, exclusive of one, used by the applicant in the application of pesticides: PROVIDED, That the provisions of this section shall not apply to any person employed only to operate any apparatus used for the application of any pesticide, and in which such person has no financial interest or other control over such apparatus other than its day to day mechanical operation for the purpose of applying any pesticide. Commercial pesticide applicator licenses shall expire ((~~on December 31st following their issuance~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 31. RCW 17.21.110 and 1989 c 380 s 40 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to act as an employee of a commercial pesticide applicator and apply pesticides manually or as the operator directly in charge of any apparatus which is licensed or should be licensed under the provisions of this chapter for the application of any pesticide, without having obtained a commercial pesticide operator license from the director. The commercial pesticide operator license shall be in addition to any other license or permit required by law for the operation or use of any such apparatus. Application for a license to apply pesticides manually and/or to operate ground apparatuses shall be accompanied by a license fee of thirty dollars. Application for a license to operate an aerial apparatus shall be accompanied by a license fee of thirty dollars. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any individual who is a licensed commercial pesticide applicator. Commercial pesticide operator licenses shall expire ((~~on December 31st following their issuance~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 32. RCW 17.21.122 and 1989 c 380 s 41 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a private-commercial applicator without having obtained a private-commercial applicator license from the director. Application for a private-commercial applicator license shall be accompanied by a license fee of fifty dollars before a license may be issued. Private-commercial applicator licenses issued by the director shall ((~~expire on the fifth December 31st after the date of issuance~~)) be five year licenses expiring on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 33. RCW 17.21.126 and 1989 c 380 s 42 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a private applicator without first complying with the certification requirements determined by the director as necessary to prevent unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, including injury to the applicator or other persons, for that specific pesticide use. Certification standards to determine the individual's competency with respect to the use and handling of the pesticide or class of pesticides the private applicator is to be certified to use shall be relative to hazards according to RCW 17.21.030 as now or hereafter amended. In determining these standards the director shall take into consideration standards of the EPA and is authorized to adopt by rule these standards. Application for private applicator certification shall be accompanied by a license fee of fifteen dollars before a certification may be issued. Private applicator certification issued by the director shall expire ((on December 31st following issuance: PROVIDED, That private applicator certifications valid on July 1, 1989, shall expire on December 31, 1989. If the director does not qualify a private applicator under this section, the director shall inform the applicant in writing)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 34. RCW 17.21.129 and 1989 c 380 s 43 are each amended to read as follows:

Except as provided in RCW 17.21.203(1), it is unlawful for a person to use or supervise the use of any pesticide which is restricted to use by certified applicators, on small experimental plots for research purposes when no charge is made for the pesticide and its application, without a demonstration and research applicator's license.

A license fee of fifty dollars shall be paid before a demonstration and research license may be issued. The demonstration and research applicator license shall ((~~expire on the fifth December 31st after the date of issuance~~)) be a five year license expiring on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 35. RCW 17.21.132 and 1989 c 380 s 44 are each amended to read as follows:

Any person applying for a license or certification authorized under the provisions of this chapter shall file an application on a form prescribed by the director. The application shall state the license or certification and the classification(s) the applicant is applying for and the method in which the pesticides are to be applied. Application for a license to apply pesticides shall be accompanied by the required fee. Renewal applications shall be filed on or before ((~~January 1st of the appropriate year~~)) the applicable expiration date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 36. RCW 17.21.140 and 1989 c 380 s 47 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) If the application for renewal of any license provided for in this chapter is not filed on or prior to ((~~January 1st following~~)) the expiration date of the license as set by rule by the director, a penalty of twenty-five dollars for the commercial pesticide applicator's license, and a penalty equivalent to the license fee for any other license, shall be assessed and added to the original fee and shall be paid by the applicant before the renewal license shall be issued: PROVIDED, That such penalty shall not apply if the applicant furnishes an affidavit certifying that he or she has not acted as a licensee subsequent to the expiration of the license.

(2) Any license for which a timely renewal application has been made, all other requirements have been met, and the proper fee paid, continues in full force and effect until the director notifies the applicant that the license has been renewed or the application has been denied.

Sec. 37. RCW 17.21.220 and 1989 c 380 s 53 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) All state agencies, municipal corporations, and public utilities or any other governmental agency shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter and rules adopted thereunder concerning the application of pesticides.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any employee of a state agency, municipal corporation, public utility, or any other government agency to use or to supervise the use of any pesticide restricted to use by certified applicators, or any pesticide by means of an apparatus, without having obtained a public operator license from the director. A license fee of fifteen dollars shall be paid before a public operator license may be issued. The license fee shall not apply to public operators licensed and working in the health vector field. Public operator licenses shall expire ((~~on December 31st following the date of issuance~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses. The public operator license shall be valid only when the operator is acting as an employee of a government agency.

(3) The jurisdictional health officer or his or her duly authorized representative is exempt from this licensing provision when applying pesticides not restricted to use by certified applicators to control pests other than weeds.

(4) Such agencies, municipal corporations and public utilities shall be subject to legal recourse by any person damaged by such application of any pesticide, and such action may be brought in the county where the damage or some part thereof occurred.

Sec. 38. RCW 15.58.200 and 1989 c 380 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:

The director shall require each pesticide dealer manager to demonstrate to the director knowledge of pesticide laws and rules; pesticide hazards; and the safe distribution, use and application, and disposal of pesticides by satisfactorily passing a written examination after which the director shall issue a license of qualification. Application for a license shall be accompanied by a license fee of fifty dollars. The pesticide dealer manager license shall ((~~expire on the fifth December 31st after the date of issuance~~)) be a five-year license expiring on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses.

Sec. 39. RCW 15.58.210 and 1989 c 380 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:

No individual may perform services as a pest control consultant without obtaining from the director an annual license, which license shall expire ((~~on the final day of February of each year~~)) annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates or a license or licenses. Application for a license shall be on a form prescribed by the director and shall be accompanied by a fee of thirty dollars. Licensed commercial pesticide applicators and operators; licensed private-commercial applicators; licensed demonstration and research applicators; employees of federal, state, county, or municipal agencies when acting in their official capacities; and pesticide dealer managers and employees working under the direct supervision of the pesticide dealer manager and only at a licensed pesticide dealer's outlet, are exempt from this licensing provision.

Sec. 40. RCW 15.58.220 and 1989 c 380 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purpose of this section public pest control consultant means any individual who is employed by a governmental agency or unit to act as a pest control consultant as defined in RCW 15.58.030(28). No person shall act as a public pest control consultant on or after February 28, 1973 without first obtaining an annual license from the director. The license shall expire annually on a date set by rule by the director. License fees shall be prorated where necessary to accommodate staggering of expiration dates of a license or licenses. Application for a license shall be on a form prescribed by the director and shall be accompanied by an annual license fee of fifteen dollars. Federal and state employees whose principal responsibilities are in pesticide research, the jurisdictional health officer or a duly authorized representative, public pest control consultants licensed and working in the health vector field, and public operators licensed under RCW 17.21.220 shall be exempt from this licensing provision.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 41. RCW 16.58.090 and 1971 ex.s. c 181 s 9 are each repealed.