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

Brief Description: Repealing the statutes regulating food lockers.

Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Schoesler, Shin, Hatfield and Jacobsen; by request of Department of Agriculture.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 1/11/07, 1/16/07 [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 rent 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Summary of Bill: The laws that require licensing and regulation of refrigerated food lockers are repealed.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: Not requested.

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: Due to widespread use of home freezers, the number of licensed frozen food lockers has diminished since 1943. Now only 14 facilities fit the definition and half of these remaining facilities are licensed under other laws. A wide range of interest groups were contacted and none had concerns about repealing this law.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Mary Beth Lang and Claudia Coles, Department of Agriculture.