FINAL BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 5803

                          C 262 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing dairy nutrient management provisions.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen and Swecker).

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Background:  In 1998, the Legislature passed the Dairy Nutrient Management Act.  The legislation requires that nutrient management plans be prepared for all dairy farms.  The plans are required to be approved by July 1, 2002.  Certification that the plans have been fully implemented must occur by December 31, 2003.

The act established an inspection program for dairy farms.

A number of issues have been raised in regards to implementation of the program.

Summary:  A Dairy Nutrient Task Force is established comprised of 11 members.  The members include:

$two members of the House, one from each caucus, appointed by the Co-Speakers;

$two members of the Senate, one from each caucus, appointed by the President of the Senate;

$one representative from each the Department of Ecology, the State Conservation Commission and local conservation districts;

$three active dairy farmers, representing different sizes of farms and different regions of the state appointed by a statewide organization representing dairy farms; and

$a representative of an environmental interest organization appointed by agreement of the Co-Speakers of the House and the President of the Senate.

The task force is directed to review enumerated topics to provide more clarification in the program.  The task force must issue a report by December 10, 1999, that consists of recommendations for administrative improvements and statutory changes.  The task force is directed to elect a chair and adopt rules to conduct the business of the task force.  The Department of Ecology staffs the task force.  The task force expires on December 31, 1999.

The Department of Ecology is directed to prepare an informational guide for dairy farmers that explains the expectations of the department when conducting an inspection.  This guide must be completed by January 30, 2000.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 46 0

House     94 1 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999