FINAL BILL REPORT

                           SSB 5443

                          C 354 L 93

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Modifying the regulation of livestock.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Agriculture (originally sponsored by Senators M. Rasmussen, Barr and Loveland; by request of Department of Agriculture)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is charged with a number of varied regulatory programs including the regulation of public livestock markets and brand inspections.

Public livestock markets pay the department a statutorily set fee ranging from $100 for a market with gross sales volume of up to $10,000, $200 for a market with a volume of between $10,000 and $50,000, and $300 for a volume over $50,000. Additionally, there is a fee of $60 per day for brand inspection at public livestock markets.

To operate a certified feedlot in Washington, the owner must have a current license issued by the Department of Agriculture.  The current fee is set at $500.  Also, feedlots must pay a fee of 10 cents per head of cattle handled.

The brand inspection program is funded by fees also set by statute.  The fee to register a brand is $25 and renewal is $25 for a two-year period.  A copy may be obtained by the owner of the brand for $5.  The fee to record a title transfer for livestock brands is $10.  The inspection fee for cattle and horses is set at a range of from 30 to 50 cents per head.

SUMMARY:

The licensing fees for public livestock markets are increased to a range of:  $100 to $150 for markets with a gross sales volume of up to $10,000, $200 to $350 for markets with a volume of over $10,000 and up to $50,000, and $300 to $450 for a volume over $50,000.  Additionally, the fee for brand inspection at public livestock markets is set by rule.

The fee to operate a certified feedlot is set within the range of $500 to $750.  Also, feedlots must pay a fee of from 10 to 15 cents per head of cattle handled in the feedlot.

The renewal fee for brands is set at no less than $25, and a late filing fee may be charged.  A certified copy of the brand may be obtained by the owner of the brand for a fee at not more than $7.50.  The fee to record a title transfer for livestock brands is set at not more than $15.  The inspection fee for cattle and horses is increased to a range of from 50 to 75 cents per head for cattle, and from $2 to $3 per head for horses.

An advisory board for the livestock identification program is created by the Department of Agriculture.  The board is composed of six members appointed by the director.  One member represents each of the following groups:  Beef producers, public livestock market operators, horse owners, dairy farmers, cattle feeders, and meat processors.  In making appointments, the director solicits nominations from organizations representing these groups statewide.  The board is to advise the director of Agriculture in setting fees for the livestock identification program including licensing of public livestock markets, brand recording, brand inspection, and assessments paid by certified feedlots.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    43   3

House     91   7    (House amended)

Senate    44   3    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993