SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6723
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 Senate Committee On:
Agriculture & Rural Economic Development, February 07, 2008
Title: An act relating to authorizing fees to fund inspections for the protection of animal health.
Brief Description: Authorizing fees to fund inspections for the protection of animal health.
Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen and Swecker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 1/31/08, 2/7/08 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6723 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Hatfield, Vice Chair; Schoesler, Ranking Minority Member; Jacobsen, Morton and Shin.
Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)
Background: The Department of Agriculture has authority to adopt rules for preventing the introduction of animal diseases including the inspection and testing of all animals to be imported into the state.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Department of Agriculture is authorized to
adopt rules establishing fees to conduct special inspections of poultry or poultry facilities at the
request of the poultry owner or individuals managing such animals.
The fees must cover the cost of the services provided. Any funds that are collected must be
deposited in the agricultural local fund.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The scope of the bill was narrowed from all animals to poultry or poultry facilities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested a ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: The National Poultry
Improvement Plan requires certain inspections. Currently, the federal government is paying for
these inspections, but the continuation of this federal funding is in doubt. These are critical
inspections to the industry. Standby authority is needed for the Department of Agriculture to
collect a fee to conduct these inspections if federal funding is lost. When purebred breeders want
to bring Canadian cows into Washington, the Department of Agriculture doesn't have the
authority to collect fees to inspect those animals. Animal holding facilities are already defined
in rule.
CON: There is concern that Washington is becoming a transit state for cattle coming in from
Canada. These animals are supposed to be in trucks that are sealed until they reach their
destination. Animals being brought in from other states are supposed to have health papers from
the state they originate.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Chris Cheney, Washington Fryer Commission; Jay Gordon,
Washington State Dairy Federation.
CON: Todd Kelsey, Cattle Producers of Washington.