ANALYSIS OF HB 2089

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                        March 3, 1997

BACKGROUND:

The state=s livestock identification program is administered by the Department of Agriculture (DOA).  The program includes the registration and recording of brands, the designation of mandatory brand inspection points for cattle and horses, and the inspection of cattle and horses for brands and the collection of brand inspection fees, the issuance of certificates identifying individual horses or cattle, and the registration of individual identification symbols for horses.  Until July 1, 1997, the DOA may set the fee for inspecting cattle at a mandatory inspection point at not less than 504/head and not more than 754/head.  Beginning July 1, 1997, the fees are set by statute at 604/head.  For inspecting horses at these points, the DOA may set a fee of not less than $2/head and not more than $3/head until July 1, 1997; thereafter, the fee may be not more than $2.40/head.  (Chapter 16.57 RCW.)

Certified Feed Lots.  The DOA also administers a licensing program for feed lots.  With certain exceptions, cattle entering or re-entering a certified feed lot must be inspected for brands.  Until July 1, 1997, the DOA may charge a fee of not less than $500 and not more than $750 for the annual licensing of a certified feed lot.  Beginning July 1, 1997, the licensing fee is set by statute at $600.  A person operating a certified feed lot must also pay a fee for each head of cattle handled through the feed lot.  Until July 1, 1997, the DOA may set the fee at not less than 104/head and not more than 154/head.  Beginning July 1, 1997, the fee is set by statute at 124/head.  (Chapter 16.58 RCW.)

SUMMARY:

A state Livestock Identification Board is created.  The board is composed of five members appointed by the Governor.  It includes one beef producer, one cattle feeder, one dairy producer, one livestock market owner, and one horse producer.  The appointments must be made from nominations submitted by organizations representing these groups statewide.  Members serve three year terms, although three of the initial appointments are for two year terms to provide  staggered terms of office.  (Section 2(1).)  Members of the board may receive up to $50/day in compensation and are to receive reimbursement for their travel expenses when carrying out duties as members of the board.  (Section 2(3)-(4).)

The administration of the state=s livestock identification program is transferred to the board.  (Sections 1 - 38.)  The administration of the state=s certified feed lot licensing program is also transferred to the board.  (Sections 39 - 51.)  The board may contract with another entity for registration and recording services or for investigation or inspection work and may hire staff.  The board may contract with the Director of Agriculture or a private or nonprofit corporation or company for recording livestock brands.  It may contract with the latter to do livestock inspection or investigation work.  (Sections 2(2), 4, and 5.)

A Livestock Identification Account is created in the state treasury.  Monies collected under the livestock identification program are deposited in the account and used by the board for the program.  The account is not subject to appropriation.  (Section 3.)

The annual licensing fee for operating a certified feed lot is increased to $2000 from $600.  (Section 42.)  The facility or livestock pen at a certified feed lot for carrying out brand inspection must no longer be approved by the state as to location and construction.  (Section 45.)  A fee on each head of cattle handled through a certified feed lot is repealed.  (Section 52.)

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 1997.