Title: An act relating to the regulation of food lockers.

Brief Description: Repealing the statutes regulating food lockers.

Sponsors: Representatives Kretz, Warnick, Hailey, McCoy, Newhouse and Haler; by request of Department of Agriculture.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/07, 94-1.

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 3/15/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Hatfield, Vice Chair; Schoesler, Ranking Minority Member; Morton and Shin.

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: In 1943, operators that rented refrigerated food lockers to individuals became subject to a licensing and regulatory program administered by the Department of Agriculture. These regulations include requirements for periodic inspection and provide for suspension or revocation of licenses for unsanitary or improper operation. Persons that work in these facilities are required to obtain a health certificate from an accredited physician. Of the few remaining refrigerated food locker operations, several facilities are licensed by the department under other statutes.

Summary of Bill: The laws that require licensing and regulation of refrigerated food lockers are repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: With the emergence of modern refrigerators and freezers, renting of refrigerated food lockers has diminished. Contact was made with state and local health departments and there was no concern about repeal of this statute. There are other tools that will assure consumer protection. This statute is outdated.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Joel Kretz; Mary Beth Lang, Department of Agriculture.