FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5767

C 313 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning inspection of dairy cattle.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Hatfield and Hobbs).

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development

House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

Background: Livestock identification and inspection systems are used to demonstrate ownership and assist in disease traceability.

Summary: 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-martins, 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for dairy cattle that are marked with a brand not recorded in this state from producing documentation of ownership is repealed.

Votes on Final Passage: