HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1688
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 Reported by House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to the fair and orderly marketing of fruits and vegetables by the state of Washington.
Brief Description: Concerning the marketing of fruits and vegetables.
Sponsors: Representatives Newhouse, Grant and Morrell.
Brief History:
State Government & Tribal Affairs: 2/23/07, 2/27/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Majority Report: 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: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
Agriculture is one of Washington's key industries. In order to protect the state's reputation as
a provider of premium fruits and vegetables in the global market, the Legislature created
quality standards for fruits and vegetables, with clear direction on the inspection process.
Pursuant to the statute, apples, apricots, Italian prunes, peaches, sweet cherries, pears,
potatoes, asparagus, and any other fruit or vegetable designated by the Washington State
Department of Agriculture (WSDA) that is packed in Washington is subject to inspection to
ensure compliance with the grade and pack standards. Inspection is conducted by the Fruit
and Vegetable Inspection Division of the WSDA. This inspection makes available to the
WSDA individual shipper data, including: produce shipment volume, shipment destination,
and variety information. Under the Public Records Act (PRA), this information is subject to
disclosure.
Summary of Bill:
The PRA exemption for information related to agriculture and livestock is expanded to
include information that can be identified to a particular business through the statutorily
required inspection of fruits and vegetables.
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) This bill ensures that enforcing the state fruit and vegetable standards will be fair
to the state growers so they may retain their competitive advantage. As the law stands,
propriety information is subject to disclosure. The industry did not think that this
information was available for disclosure, but the Office of Attorney General (AG) has
advised the growers otherwise. It was after this information from the AG that the industry
realized they needed a bill to exempt this information from the Public Records Act. It is in
line with other agricultural exemptions.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Newhouse, prime sponsor; and Dave Ducharme, Yakima Valley Growers Shippers Association.