Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SB 5492
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: Changing Washington beer commission provisions.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Hatfield and Hewitt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/17/11
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Legislation enacted in 2006 permitted state-licensed beer brewers producing less than 100,000 barrels annually per location to create a new commodity commission if they opted to do so in a referendum process. Affected brewers subsequently voted to create
the Washington Beer Commission (Commission).
With oversight by the Director of the Washington Department of Agriculture, the Commission promotes Washington beer and may conduct research, promotional, and educational campaigns. The Commission may provide beer without charge as part of its promotional activities and producers may donate beer for this purpose. To fund its activities, the Commission assesses affected brewers and sells beer at Commission-sponsored beer festivals.
Summary of Bill:
The 100,000 barrel annual production limit on brewers assessed and represented by the Commission is deleted.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.