HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Title: An act relating to the dairy inspection program.
Brief Description: Extending to 2015 the assessment levied under RCW 15.36.551 to support the dairy inspection program.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Chandler, Van De Wege and Moeller; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 1/14/10, 1/21/10 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Ormsby, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Smith, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jacks, Kretz, Liias, McCoy, Nelson, Pearson, Rolfes and Van De Wege.
Staff: Leslie Ryan-Connelly (786-7166).
Background:
The dairy inspection program at the Washington State 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.
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Summary of Bill:
The expiration date of the dairy inspection assessment is extended from June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2015.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The extension will also ask the WSDA to continue existing programs related to dairy inspections. The assessment was originally established in 1993 in consultation with the dairy industry. This will be the third extension of the assessment. Before each extension request, the WSDA meets with the dairy industry to see whether there is still a need to maintain the assessment or not. The dairy inspection program has two missions. One to protect public health and another to assist the dairy industry to market dairy products. The dairy inspection assessment is a collaborative effort with producers and processors; the Industry supports the WSDA so they can maintain a set of inspectors for dairy products.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Blake, prime sponsor; Jeff Canaan and Claudia Coles, Washington State Department of Agriculture; Antone Mickelson, Darigold; and Jay Gordon, Washington State Dairy Federation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.