SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5767
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 Passed Senate, March 12, 2013
Title: An act relating to inspection of dairy cattle.
Brief Description: Concerning inspection of dairy cattle.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Hatfield and Hobbs).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development: 2/21/13 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/12/13, 47-2.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5767 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Hatfield, Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Member; Brown, Eide, Hobbs, Schoesler and Shin.
Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)
Background: Livestock identification and inspection systems are used to demonstrate ownership and assist in disease traceability.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Upon the request of a licensed milk producer, the Department of Agriculture (WSDA) must issue an official individual identification tag, referred to as the green tag, to be placed by the producer before the first point of sale on bull calves and free-martin, defined as infertile female calves, that are under 30 days of age. The fee for each tag is the cost to WSDA for the tag and its distribution, plus the applicable beef commission assessment. As long as these calves are not being transported out of the state, they are exempt from the inspection requirements under this chapter if:
the animal is under 30 days old and has not been previously bought or sold;
the seller holds a valid milk producer's license;
the sale does not take place through a public livestock market or special livestock sales;
each animal is identified with the green tag; and
a certificate of permit and a bill of sale listing each animal's green tag accompanies the animal to the buyer's location.
The exception for dairy cattle that are marked with a brand not recorded in this state from producing documentation of ownership is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: None.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill is a component to animal disease traceability. The different segments of the livestock industry support this step.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jack Field, WA Cattlemen's Assn.; Mark Streuli, WSDA; Jay Gordon, WA State Dairy Federation; Ed Field, WA Cattle Feeders.