Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1682

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 Summary of Bill

Allows a member of a county horticultural pest and disease board to be a non-resident who owns property in the county and is involved in the primary and commercial production of horticultural products.

Background:

All counties, either on the initiative of the county legislative authority or upon the petition of 25 county residents, are permitted to create horticultural pest and disease boards (boards). The boards are empowered to field complaints concerning pest and horticultural disease infestations in the county, inspect any parcel in the county for pests or disease, and order landowners to control and prevent pests. Boards are also authorized to conduct pest and disease control operations on private property and charge the landowner for the expense.

All boards have five voting members, four of whom are appointed by county commissioners and one of whom is appointed by the director of the Department of Agriculture. Four of the appointees must own land in the county, live in the county, and be involved in the primary and commercial production of horticultural products. The fifth appointee must possess a practical knowledge of horticultural diseases and pests. Board members serve two-year terms without salary.

Summary of Bill:

If no qualified candidates live in the county, a non-resident who owns property in the county and is involved in the primary and commercial production of horticultural products may be appointed to a board.