SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1527
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development, March 12, 2015
Title: An act relating to requiring the Washington state department of agriculture to approve the comparable recertification standards of private entities for the purposes of waiving the recertification requirements under the Washington pesticide control act.
Brief Description: Requiring the Washington state department of agriculture to approve the comparable recertification standards of private entities for the purposes of waiving the recertification requirements under the Washington pesticide control act.
Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Dent, Blake, Buys and Van De Wege).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/15, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development: 3/12/15 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Warnick, Chair; Hatfield, Ranking Minority Member; Hobbs and Honeyford.
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) licenses people who use, sell, or consult on the use of pesticides. WSDA's pesticide licensing program includes 12 license types and over 25 exam categories. All but the Limited Private Applicator and Rancher Private Applicator licenses must be renewed annually.
Generally all licensees must complete recertification requirements – 40 WSDA-approved credits with no more than 15 credits allowed per year or by meeting examination requirements – every five years. The director may waive the recertification requirements if the licensee can demonstrate the licensee is meeting comparable recertification standards through another state or jurisdiction or through a federal Environmental Protection Agency-approved government agency plan.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The director may also waive the recertification requirements for WSDA-approved private entities. WSDA must confer with private entities to develop a pest management credit accounting system and, if in agreement regarding the substantive provisions of the system, must develop an implementation strategy for private entities pursuing pesticide credit reciprocity. WSDA must report its progress to the Legislature by December 31, 2015.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): WSDA must confer with private entities to develop a pest management credit accounting system and, if in agreement regarding the substantive provisions of the system, must develop an implementation strategy for private entities pursuing pesticide credit reciprocity. WSDA must report its progress to the Legislature by December 31, 2015. The striking amendment removes private entity disapproval language.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute House Bill: PRO: This bill allows us to reach outside current course options to those from private entities. The private entities will have to meet WDSA standards. This bill streamlines recertification requirements while maintaining the department's high standards. We worked very closely with WSDA to create opportunities for reciprocity and reduce redundancy.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Dent, prime sponsor; John Rylaarsdam, Ben Moehrle, Agforestry Class 36 PPP 2.
Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.