BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to authorizing fees for commodity commissions and the department of agriculture; amending RCW 15.86.070; adding a new section to chapter 15.65 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 15.28 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.23 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The dry pea and lentil commodity board may raise the rate of annual assessment in excess of the fiscal growth factor under chapter 43.135 RCW from the assessment of one percent of the net receipts at the first point of sale to two percent.

(2) The farmed salmon commodity board may raise the rate of annual assessment in excess of the fiscal growth factor under chapter 43.135 RCW from one cent per pound on the first fifteen million pounds, dressed head-on equivalent, to one and one-half cent per pound on the first ten million pounds, dressed head-on equivalent, and one cent per pound from ten to fifteen million pounds, dressed head-on equivalent, produced collectively by affected producers.

(3) The assessment limits established by this section are set solely to provide prior legislative authority for the purpose of RCW 43.135.055 and may not be construed as providing a limitation on the authority of either commodity board to alter assessments in any manner not limited by RCW 43.135.055. However, any alteration in assessments made under the authority of this section shall be made in compliance with the procedural requirements established by this chapter for altering or amending assessments.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 15.28 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The commission may raise the rate of annual assessment in excess of the fiscal growth factor under chapter 43.135 RCW up to a maximum of eighteen dollars for each two thousand pounds of any soft tree fruit except cherries or any classification thereof, as to which the assessment may be increased to a maximum of thirty dollars for each two thousand pounds.

(2) The assessment limits established under subsection (1) of this section are set solely to provide prior legislative authority for the purpose of RCW 43.135.055 and do not limit the authority of the commission to alter assessments in any manner not limited by RCW 43.135.055. However, any alteration in assessments made under the authority of subsection (1) of this section shall be made in compliance with the procedural requirements established by this chapter for altering or amending such assessments.

Sec. 3. RCW 15.86.070 and 1992 c 71 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director may adopt rules establishing a certification program for producers, processors, and vendors of organic or transition to organic food. The rules may govern, but are not limited to governing: The number and scheduling of on-site visits, both announced and unannounced, by certification personnel; recordkeeping requirements; and the submission of product samples for chemical analysis. The rules shall include a fee schedule that will provide for the recovery of the full cost of the organic food program. Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in an account within the agricultural local fund and the revenue from such fees shall be used solely for carrying out the provisions of this section, and no appropriation is required for disbursement from the fund. The director may employ such personnel as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(2) The fees established under this section may be increased in excess of the fiscal growth factor as provided in RCW 43.135.055 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 43.23 RCW to read as follows:

The director may collect moneys to recover the reasonable costs of publishing and disseminating informational materials by the department. Materials may be disseminated in printed or electronic format. All moneys collected shall be deposited in the agricultural local fund or other appropriate fund administered by the director.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 1 and 2 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately.