Brief Description: Extending the expiration date of the dairy inspection program assessment.

Sponsors: Senators Swecker and Rasmussen.

Hearing Date: 2/24/04

Staff: Kenneth Hirst (786-7105).

Background:

An assessment is levied on all milk processed in this state. It is not to exceed 0.54 cents per hundredweight. The amount of the assessment is to be set by the Director of Agriculture by rule at an amount that, with General Fund monies, supports an inspection program that maintains compliance with the federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. The assessment is levied on the operator of the first milk processing plant receiving the milk for processing; however, it is not paid for any month in which the assessment for a plant is less than $20 for that month.

Revenues from the assessment are deposited in the Dairy Inspection Account in the Agricultural Local Fund. The funds may be used only to provide inspection services to the dairy industry.

The assessment expires June 30, 2005.

Summary of Bill:

The expiration date for the milk processing assessment is extended to June 30, 2010.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.