HB 2323-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Requires the department to establish and administer a direct retail license to serve as a single license that permits the holder of a Washington finfish or crab fishing license to process and sell his or her catch directly to consumers at retail, including over the internet.  The direct retail license must be issued as an optional addition to all commercial food fish or shellfish licenses that the department offers under chapter 77.65 RCW.

     Provides that, prior to being issued a direct retail endorsement, an individual must:  (1) Obtain and submit to the department a signed letter on appropriate letterhead from the health department of the county in which the individual makes his or her official residence or where the hailing port for any documented vessel owned by the individual is located as to the fulfillment of all requirements related to county health rules, including the payment of all required fees.  The local health department generating the letter may charge a reasonable fee for any necessary inspections.  The letter must certify that the methods used by the individual to transport, store, and display fresh finfish and crabs meets that county's standards and the statewide standards adopted by the board of health for food service operations; and

     (2) Submit proof to the department that the individual making the direct retail sales is in possession of a valid food and beverage service worker's permit, as provided for in chapter 69.06 RCW.

     Declares that it is lawful for an individual in possession of a valid direct retail endorsement to sell, deliver, or peddle wild-caught salmon or crab that is caught, harvested, or collected under rule of the department of fish and wildlife by such a person at a temporary food service establishment, as that term is defined in RCW 69.06.045, and no city, town, or county may pass or enforce an ordinance prohibiting the sale by or requiring additional licenses or permits from the holder of the valid direct retail endorsement.

     Does not prohibit a city, town, or county from inspecting an individual displaying a direct retail endorsement to verify that the person is in compliance with state board of health and local rules for food service operations.

     Requires the department of agriculture to develop a pamphlet that generally describes the labeling requirements for seafood, as set forth in this act, and provide an adequate quantity of the pamphlets to the department of fish and wildlife to distribute with the issuance of a direct retail endorsement under this act.

     Takes effect July 1, 2002.