HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
General Government Appropriations
Title: An act relating to heritage livestock and poultry breeds.
Brief Description: Creating the Washington heritage livestock and poultry breed recognition program.
Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Swecker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 3/20/09, 3/27/09 [DPA];
General Government Appropriations: 4/3/09 [DPA(AGNR)].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Grant-Herriot, Vice Chair; Jacks, Kretz, Liias, McCoy and Ormsby.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Smith, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Nelson, Pearson, Van De Wege and Warnick.
Staff: Anna Jackson (786-7190)
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.
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. 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.
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.
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Summary of Amended 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 or poultry 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 website that includes pictures and a short description of the animals listed on the Heritage Livestock and Poultry Breed Registry.
An expiration date of July 1, 2011, is included, as well as a null and void clause.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amended bill makes the technical correction of including poultry where it was omitted in the underlying bill and includes a null and void clause.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) None.
(Information only) The Program would likely be modeled after the successful Washington Historic Barn Recognition Program, which is a voluntary program administered by the Department. In one year, more than 340 people applied for and received recognition of their barns on the Washington Historic Barn Register. The Department prints recognition certificates in-house and the Department of Corrections makes placards to give to owners of recognized barns. Once a barn is listed on the Washington Historic Barn Register, the owner is eligible to apply for certain grants.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Allyson Brooks, Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Darneille, Chair; Takko, Vice Chair; McCune, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Blake, Crouse, Dunshee, Hudgins, Kenney, Pedersen, Sells, Short and Williams.
Staff: Steve Smith (786-7178)
Summary of Recommendation of Committee On General Government Appropriations Compared to Recommendation of Committee On Agriculture & Natural Resources:
No new changes were recommended.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Both England and the United States have dedicated conservation organizations that specialize in encouraging farms and ranches to collect and preserve rare livestock and poultry breeds. This bill seeks to create a similar program for rare livestock and poultry breeds in Washington. Encouraging the preservation of rare breeds serves primarily to preserve the genetic diversity of livestock and poultry breeds, but also as a possible tourist attraction. The Washington Heritage Livestock and Poultry Breed Recognition Program would likely be modeled after the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Jacobsen, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.