HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 1338


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:
February 23, 2007

Title: An act relating to the Washington beer commission.

Brief Description: Authorizing the Washington beer commission to receive gifts, grants, and endowments.

Sponsors: By House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives P. Sullivan, Newhouse, B. Sullivan and Santos).

Brief History:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/30/07, 2/2/07 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/23/07, 89-0.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Allows the Washington Beer Commission to receive gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, McDermott, Miloscia and Ormsby.

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

In 2006, legislation was enacted to establish the Washington Beer Commission (Commission). Creation of the Commission was contingent upon approval of the affected producers who are Washington-licensed brewers producing less than 100,000 barrels annually. A vote of the affected licensed craft breweries was held in the fall of 2006 in favor of creating the Commission.

The Commission will promote and conduct research regarding Washington-produced beer, with oversight by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. To fund its activities, the Commission is authorized to assess producers a fee of 10 cents per barrel produced and to sell beer at beer festivals.


Summary of Substitute Bill:

The Commission may accept gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources for the use and benefit of the purposes of the Commission. Expenditures must be made according to the terms of the gifts, grants, or endowments. This provision ends July 1, 2009.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The craft breweries support the bill. An amendment is proposed for a two-year sunset on the ability to accept gifts, grants, and endowments.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Arlen Harris, Washington Breweries.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.