SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6304

As of January 28, 2002

Title:  An act relating to the hand harvesting of fruit.

Brief Description:  Allowing a spouse to contribute to the production of hand‑harvested fruit.

Sponsors:  Senators Prentice, Parlette, Rasmussen, Oke and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  1/29/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Background:  The Department of Labor and Industries may issue special certificates for the payment of less than the minimum wage for the disabled, the aged, apprentices, and others in order to prevent curtailment of employment opportunities.  The Labor, Commerce, and Financial Institutions Committee of the Senate heard testimony during the past interim that the state's minimum wage law has worked to the disadvantage of some farm-worker families by not allowing spouses to work together for a single paycheck.

Summary of Bill:  Fruit picked by a farm-worker employee's spouse may be considered a part of the employee's production.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.