FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1706

                          C 15 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Extending the dairy inspection program assessment.

Sponsors:  Representatives Koster, Chandler, Johnson, McMorris, Honeyford, Mastin, Boldt, Clements, Benton, McMahan, Smith, Kremen and Robertson.

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development

Background:  The Department of Agriculture administers the state's milk inspection program.  In 1992, an assessment of 0.54 cents per hundredweight was established on all milk processed within the state.  The revenue from the assessment may be used only to provide inspection services to the dairy industry; it is used for on-farm dairy inspections regarding compliance with the requirements of the federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.

The assessment is collected from the operator of the first milk plant receiving the milk for processing.  It is scheduled to expire June 30, 1995. 

Summary:   The expiration of the dairy inspection assessment is postponed until June 30, 2000.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     97 0

Senate    47 0

Effective:  April 12, 1995