SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5825

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1993

Brief Description:  Regulating wild mushroom sales.

SPONSORS: Senators Owen and Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: March 1, 1993

BACKGROUND:

There is growing concern that the state does not have complete and accurate information concerning the commercial picking of wild mushrooms on state lands.  Trucks loaded with wild mushrooms routinely leave the state and the state's present tracking system does not provide adequate information on the export of wild mushrooms. 

SUMMARY:

The statute relating to the harvest of wild mushrooms by mushroom buyers is expanded to include a licensing fee increase for dealers and a special assessment of 10 cents a pound to fund the mushroom inspection program of the Department of Agriculture. 

Mushroom reporting requirements are clarified.  The department may check for out-of-state dealers' licenses and special assessments. 

Mushroom dealers pay a special assessment of 10 cents per pound to the Department of Agriculture for all species of wild mushrooms harvested.  The assessment monies are deposited in the mushroom inspection account.  Buyers and dealers who transport wild mushrooms must provide information on forms developed by the Department of Agriculture.  A mushroom inspection account is created within the State Treasury and expenditures from the account may be used for the administration of the mushroom program. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested