| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
ESB 5723
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.
Brief Description: Creating and funding the community agricultural worker safety grant program.
Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Clements, Hatfield, Roach, Shin, Morton, Kline, Schoesler, Haugen, Sheldon, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Fairley, Honeyford, Franklin, Keiser, Berkey, Kauffman, Kilmer, Jacobsen, Kastama, Benton, Zarelli and Parlette.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/27/07
Staff: Sarah Beznoska (786-7109).
Background:
According to the the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), the WSDA carries
out more than 25 distinct programs that support the agricultural community and promote
consumer and environmental protection. These programs include Animal Health Services
Commodity Inspection, Food Safety & Consumer Services, Pesticide Management, and Plant
Protection.
The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces the Washington
Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA). The WISHA directs the Department to adopt rules
governing safety and health standards for workplaces covered by the WISHA. Safety and health
standards under the WISHA include standards applicable to the agricultural industry.
The Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. is a national non-profit organization
that operates through a national network of local affiliated organizations. The Opportunities
Industrialization Center of Washington (Center) is affiliated with the Opportunities
Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. The Center has locations in Mt. Vernon, Moses Lake,
Pasco, Sunnyside, Ellensburg, Roslyn, Seattle, Wenatchee, and Yakima, which provide a variety
of education, training, and employment support services.
Summary of Bill:
Subject to the availability of appropriated amounts, the Department of Agriculture must
administer the Community Agriculture Worker Safety Grant Program. The Community
Agriculture Worker Safety Grant Program is to be implemented by the Opportunities
Industrialization Center of Washington (Center).
The Center must work with the agricultural industry to provide practical, hands-on training for
the state's agricultural workers in tractor and farm machinery skills and safety, pesticide training,
adult basic skills, civics, English as a second language, commercial drivers' licensing, and other
related topics.
The Center may receive up to $250,000 per year to implement the program.
The bill expires on July 1, 2012.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 26, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.