Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1538

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

Makes unlawful the transport of animals, unless exempted, to a destination other than the address listed on the accompanying transportation document.

Background:

The director of the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is authorized to adopt rules that prevent the introduction of spreading or infectious diseases into the state. This includes the authority to adopt rules regarding the inspection and testing of all animals in the state or being imported into the state. The WSDA may charge a time and mileage fee for livestock inspections and investigations of $85 per hour, plus mileage. The WSDA has the authority to raise this fee by rule.

It is unlawful for a person to bring livestock into Washington without first obtaining a certificate of veterinary inspection verifying that the animals meet Washington's health requirements. This requirement does not apply to animals that will be delivered to a feed lot, slaughter plant, or livestock market within 12 hours of importation.

Summary of Bill:

The WSDA is authorized to adopt rules that require the certificate of veterinarian inspection, health papers, permits, or other transportation documents to provide a physical address and a timeline as to when the animals will be transported directly to that address. Unless exempted by the WSDA, it is unlawful to transfer an animal to a location other than the address designated on the transportation documents.

The ability of the WSDA to charge a mileage and hourly fee for violation inspections is changed to allow the WSDA to collect up to $85 per hour.