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HOUSE BILL 2657
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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 01/23/2002. Referred to
Committee on State Government.
Requiring the purchase
of Washington grown commodities for state institutions.
AN ACT Relating to
agricultural products purchased for state institutions and state-supported
facilities; adding a new section to chapter 43.19 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
that state-produced agricultural products are of the highest quality,
transported the least distance, and are the freshest agricultural products
available in Washington state. The legislature further finds that providing
improved markets for the richly diversified agricultural commodities produced
in Washington is needed to stabilize and enhance the rural and agricultural
economies in Washington.
NEW SECTION. Sec.
2. A new section is added
to chapter 43.19 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The department of
general administration, through the state purchasing and material control
director, shall encourage each state and local agency doing business with the
department to purchase Washington fruit, vegetables, and agricultural products
when available.
(2) The department of
general administration shall work with the department of agriculture and other
interested parties to identify and recommend strategies to increase public
purchasing of Washington fruit, vegetables, and agricultural products, and
report back orally to the appropriate committees of the legislature in
September 2002, and in January 2003.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 3. 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.
