HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6284


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:
March 4, 2008

Title: An act relating to the dairy products commission.

Brief Description: Modifying provisions relating to the dairy products commission.

Sponsors: By Senators Schoesler and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/20/08, 2/21/08 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/4/08, 91-4.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Makes changes regarding the composition of the Washington Dairy Products Commission (Commission).
  • Eliminates the producer-dealer position on the Commission, reducing the number of commissioners from 10 to nine.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Van De Wege, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eickmeyer, Grant, Kristiansen, Lantz, Loomis, McCoy, Nelson, Newhouse and Orcutt.

Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).

Background:

The Washington Dairy Products Commission (Commission) was created by the Washington State Legislature in 1939 under statute. The Commission is directed by a board of 10 commissioners comprised of seven dairy producers, one producer-dealer, one processor representative, and one representative of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The Director (Director) of the State Department of Agriculture appoints commissioners and oversees the Commission's budgetary expenditures.


Summary of Bill:

The Commission shall be composed of nine members, and removes the requirement that one commissioner is a producer-dealer. When only one candidate is nominated for a position, the Director has the discretion to appoint or reject the candidate. Vacancies will be filled by appointment by the Director from a list of candidates proposed by the Commission. When only one candidate is proposed, the Director may appoint or reject the candidate and request an additional candidate from the Commission.


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 Senate bill is the same as the House bill. It goes to streamlining the process for nominating, selecting, and rejecting candidates to serve on the Commission and eliminates a position to reflect changes in the industry.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Chris Cheney, Washington Dairy Federation.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.