SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5007

As of January 21, 2003

Title: An act relating to agriculture and garden research.

Brief Description: Creating the western Washington center for agriculture and garden research.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Winsley, Rasmussen and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture: 1/30/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: Washington State University has research and extension centers located at Puyallup and Mount Vernon.

Summary of Bill: All assets at the Washington State University's research and extension centers in Puyallup and Mount Vernon must be transferred to the Western Washington Center for Agriculture and Garden Research by June 30, 2003. The center is a quasi-administrative unit of Washington State University and must be a nonprofit and self-supporting membership organization. The center must require membership dues and may accept gifts.

The center is governed by a board of directors that consists of ten members. For the first six years, the board of directors is appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. Appointed directors hold their offices for terms of six years. After that time, the directors are elected by the membership of the Western Washington Center for Agriculture and Garden Research. Board members must obtain a bond of not less than $5,000 conditioned for the faithful performance of duties. The center is to pay the cost of the bond.

The board of directors hires the administrator for the center. The administrator, in consultation with the board of directors, must:

      (1) recommend research and extension priorities;

      (2) conduct a competitive grants process to solicit, review and prioritize research and extension proposals; and

      (3) advise Washington State University on the progress and implementation of research, teaching and extension programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.