Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Government Accountability & Oversight Committee

HB 1459

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: Authorizing students under the age of twenty-one to taste wine in viticulture and enology programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Haler, Springer, Walsh, Wylie, Seaquist, Wilcox, Johnson, Condotta, Fagan, Maxwell and Pollet.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes students who are between the ages of 18 and 21 years old, and who are enrolled in a viticulture and/or enology program at an accredited college, university, community college, or vocational school, to taste wine as part of the curriculum.

Hearing Date: 2/5/13

Staff: Sara Campbell (786-7119) and Trudes Tango (786-7384).

Background:

Viticulture and enology are the two disciplines of wine production. Viticulture is the science, production, and study of grapes and their culture. Enology is the science and study of all aspects of wine and winemaking except vine-growing and grape-harvesting. Viticulture and enology degree programs generally offer students the opportunity to study and research wine-grape growing and winemaking.

Under current law, students who are between the ages of 18 and 21 years old and who are enrolled in a viticulture and/or enology degree program cannot taste wine as part of their course work as it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years to possess, consume, or otherwise acquire liquor. Additionally, it is unlawful for any person to give or supply liquor to anyone under the age of 21, or to allow them to consume liquor on premises under his or her control.

Summary of Bill:

Authorizes students between the ages of 18 and 21 years old and enrolled in a viticulture and/or enology degree program to taste, but not ingest, wine for instructional purposes during classes that are part of the viticulture and/or enology curriculum.

Students are only authorized to taste wine during regularly scheduled courses, and while under the supervision of an instructor who is employed by the college, university, or vocational school.

Creates an exception in the criminal code for such students to sample wine for instructional purposes during classes that are part of a viticulture and/or enology curriculum.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.