Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

SB 5002

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

Creates the Washington Heritage Livestock and Poultry Breed Recognition Program in the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
Provides an expiration date of July 1, 2011.

Background:

The Legislature created the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (Department) in 1993, consolidating two existing state historical societies, in order to maintain and preserve articles and properties that illustrate the history of the state for public use [RCW 27.34.010].

The Director of the Department oversees the Washington Heritage Register (Register), which contains districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in United States or Washington history, architecture, archaeology, and culture [RCW 27.34.220(1)]. In addition, the Director is authorized to conduct statewide historic surveys, plans, and research to prepare nominations for the Register and the National Register of Historic Places [RCW 27.34.220(1)].

Among more specific powers, the Director has the authority to promote historic preservation efforts throughout the state and to enhance the effectiveness of the state preservation program by initiating legislation, using varied funding sources, creating special purpose programs, and contacting state, county, and city officials, civic groups, and professionals [RCW 27.34.220(3) and (4)].

Summary of Bill:

The Washington Heritage Livestock and Poultry Breed Recognition Program (Program) is created in the Department.

To apply for recognition as a heritage breed, an owner of livestock or poultry may submit an application to the Department that includes: (1) the breed of the livestock or poultry; (2) photos of the animal; (3) a brief history of the breed, including the breed's origin; and (4) the breed's interesting and unique characteristics.

The Department may use the species of livestock and poultry that are designated as "critical," "threatened," or "watch" on the Conservation Priority List (Priority List) established by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy as a general guide for developing the Program. Owners of livestock breeds not included on the Priority List may submit supplemental information to the Department regarding the breed's status as rare or diminishing for possible designation as a heritage livestock breed.

The Department must periodically issue recognition awards to owners of livestock or poultry designated as heritage breeds and maintain a web site that includes pictures and a short description of the animals listed on the Heritage Livestock Breed Registry.

An expiration date of July 1, 2011, is included.