Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 2461
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 Description: Extending to 2015 the assessment levied under RCW 15.36.551 to support the dairy inspection program.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Chandler and Van De Wege; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/14/10
Staff: Leslie Ryan-Connelly (786-7166).
Background:
The dairy inspection program at the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is intended to maintain compliance with the pasteurized milk ordinance of the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. The National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to ensure safe milk products through the development of standards such as the one for "Grade A" pasteurized milk.
The assessment for the dairy inspection program was first approved in 1992. The assessment rate is capped at $0.0054 per 100 pounds of milk. The assessment is set in rule by the WSDA and is $0.00535 per 100 pounds of milk. The assessment is collected by the WSDA. Funds collected from the assessment are deposited in the dairy inspection account of the Agricultural Local Account. Funds may only be used for dairy industry inspection services. Authority to collect the assessment expires June 30, 2010.
Summary of Bill:
The expiration date of the dairy inspection assessment is extended from June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2015. (The extension allows the WSDA to continue to collect the dairy inspection assessment and fund implementation of the existing dairy inspection program.)
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.