FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6471

PARTIAL VETO

C 40 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring labeling of the origin of fruits and vegetables grown in the United States or grown in Washington state.

Sponsors:  Senators Honeyford, Rasmussen, Johnson, Sheahan, Stevens, Swecker, Shin, Parlette, Deccio, McCaslin, Hochstatter, Gardner, Hewitt, Spanel, Kastama, Regala, Eide, Oke, Hale and Keiser.

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Background:  Some states have enacted labeling requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Summary:  Stores and other businesses offering fresh fruit and vegetables for retail sale must place a placard on the bin, shelf or other location where the product is displayed that informs the consumer if it was either grown in the United States or grown in Washington.

Placards are not required if the product was grown outside of the United States, or if each item in the bin or shelf contains a sticker or label that indicates where the fruit or vegetable was grown.

The Department of Agriculture is designated as the enforcing agency.  The department issues a warning for the first violation, a civil fine of up to $250 for a second violation at the same location and in the same calendar year, and a civil fine of up to $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation at the same location in the same calendar year.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate460

House879

Effective: June 13, 2002

Partial Veto Summary:  The Governor vetoed provisions that establish penalties for failing to comply with the requirements of the act.