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ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2325
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AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
Passed Legislature - 2002 Regular Session
State of Washington 57th Legislature 2002
Regular Session
By
Read first time 02/01/2002. Referred to
Committee on .
Providing for donation
and distribution of food.
AN ACT Relating to
donated food; amending RCW 69.80.050; adding a new section to chapter 69.80
RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec.
1. The legislature finds and
declares that the distribution of food by donors to charitable organizations,
such as shelters, churches, and fraternal organizations, serving communal meals
to needy individuals can be done safely consistent with rules and recommended
health and safety guidelines. The establishment of recommended donor
guidelines by the department of health can educate the public about the
preparation and handling of food donated to charitable organizations for
distribution to homeless and other needy people. The purpose of this act is to
authorize and facilitate the donation of food to needy persons in accordance
with health and safety guidelines and rules, to assure that the donated food
will not place needy recipients at risk, and to encourage businesses and
individuals to donate surplus food to charitable organizations serving our
state's needy population.
NEW SECTION. Sec.
2. A new section is added
to chapter 69.80 RCW to read as follows:
(1) No later than
December 31, 2004, the state board of health shall promulgate rules for the
safe receipt, preparation, and handling by distributing organizations of food
accepted from donors in order to facilitate the donation of food, free of
charge, and to protect the health and safety of needy people.
(2) No later than
December 31, 2004, the department of health, in consultation with the state
board of health, shall develop educational materials for donors containing
recommended health and safety guidelines for the preparation and handling of
food donated to distributing organizations.
Sec. 3. RCW 69.80.050 and 1983 c
241 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Appropriate
state and local agencies are authorized to inspect donated food items for
wholesomeness and may establish procedures for the handling of food items.
(2) To facilitate
the free distribution of food to needy persons, the local health officer, upon
request from either a donor or distributing organization, may grant a variance
to chapter 246-215 WAC covering physical facilities, equipment standards, and
food source requirements when no known or expected health hazard would exist as
a result of the action.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 4. Section 3 of this act is
necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or
safety, or support of the state government and its existing public
institutions, and takes effect immediately.
