FINAL BILL REPORT

                           2ESB 5983

                         C 19 L 93 E1

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Altering fees related to agriculture.

SPONSORS: Senators M. Rasmussen and Loveland; by request of Department of Agriculture

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

BACKGROUND:

The 1993-95 budget for the Washington State Department of Agriculture is approximately $70 million and 723 FTEs.  Of that amount, $19.7 million and 146 FTEs are state general fund supported.

The department's Administrative Services Program provides budgeting, accounting, personnel, policy and management services for the entire agency.  Ninety-four percent of the funding for the Administrative Services Program is supported by the state general fund and 6 percent is supported by federal revenues.

Budgets proposed by Governor Gardner, Governor Lowry, the Senate and the House of Representatives have all suggested shifts in funding the department's administrative program which involve greater support from the non-appropriated funds managed by the department.  Fees which support those non-appropriated funds are established in statute.

SUMMARY:

Various adjustments are made to fees collected by the Department of Agriculture in order to provide the additional revenue necessary to support a portion of the administrative functions of the agency.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    27   21

House     54   42   (House amended)

First Special Session

Senate    27   19

House     57   40

EFFECTIVE:August 5, 1993