SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6079

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.

Title: An act relating to extending the dairy inspection program assessment expiration date.

Brief Description: Extending the dairy inspection program assessment expiration date.

Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development: 1/16/14, 1/20/14 [DP].

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hatfield, Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Member; Brown, Eide, Hobbs and Schoesler.

Background: To ship fluid milk and milk products across state lines, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers a milk inspection program in accordance with standards established by the National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS). A milk assessment fee is assessed to support the dairy inspection program, and to maintain compliance with the provisions of NCIMS and the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.

The current authority to collect the milk assessment expires on June 30, 2015.

Summary of Bill: The current authority to assess milk processed in the state is extended until June 30, 2020. The current maximum assessment level of $0.0054 per hundredweight is retained.

The funds continue to be deposited in the dairy inspection account within the agricultural local fund. The funds continue to be used only to provide inspection services to the dairy industry.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill just reauthorizes the same fee amount for another five years. It is a great example of WSDA and industry working together with the objective of proactively ensuring the public health. This is accomplished by meeting obligations under the interstate compact for interstate shipments of milk.