FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5487

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.

Background: The Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers the Wholesome Eggs and Egg Products Act. The stated purpose of this act is to promote uniformity of state legislation and regulation with the federal Egg Products Inspection Act. The act contains provisions for licensing, inspection, sanitation, pasteurization, and labeling.

Persons who commit violations are subject to civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day per violation. Also, violations may be punishable as a misdemeanor for a first violation, or as a gross misdemeanor for a second or subsequent violation.

Summary: Entities providing eggs or egg products for intrastate commerce that apply for either an egg handler or egg dealer license before January 1, 2026, must include proof that their eggs are produced by egg laying operations that meet the 2010 version of the United Egg Producer's (UEP) animal husbandry guidelines.

Any new facilities built between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, must also show it was approved under or convertible to the American Humane Association (AHA) Facility System Plan for Enriched Colony Housing in effect on January 1, 2011. Commencing on January 1, 2017, facilities built during this five-year period must then be operated in compliance with the UEP and AHA standards; provide no less than 116.3 square inches of space per hen; and provide access to areas for nesting, scratching, and perching.

As of January 1, 2026, all facilities existing on January 1, 2012, and facilities built after January 1, 2012, must show they meet the AHA standards; provide no less than 116.3 square inches of space per hen; and provide access to areas for nesting, scratching, and perching.

WSDA may adopt by rule, subsequent versions of the UEP or AHA standards, or may adopt standards that are equivalent or more stringent that the UEP or AHA standards.

These requirements apply to operations that have more than 3000 laying chickens.

A list of products containing a limited amount of eggs is excluded from the definition of egg products.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	34	13
House	70	27	(House amended)
Senate	32	14	(Senate concurred)