SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1370

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

    Agriculture & Rural Economic Development, April 2, 1999

Title:  An act relating to the fruit and vegetable district fund.

Brief Description:  Extending the period of time to expend funds from the fruit and vegetable district fund.

Sponsors:  Representatives G. Chandler, Linville, Clements, Grant and B. Chandler.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Rural Economic Development:  3/22/99, 4/2/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Gardner, Honeyford, Morton, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  In 1997 $200,000 was authorized for control of the apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella).  This authorization was in response to the discovery of apple maggots in eastern Washington.  Only about $5,000 of this authorization has been spent to date.  The authorization expires June 30, 1999, if it is not extended.

Summary of Bill:  The authorization of $200,000 for the control of the apple maggot in some parts of eastern Washington is continued until June 30, 2001.  Titles which have changed since the prior bill was enacted are updated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect June 30, 1999.

Testimony For:  It will be important to have this money available if apple maggots are found.  This money came from the growers themselves.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Mary Beth Lang, Dept. of Agriculture (pro).