SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2634

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, February 23, 2016

Title: An act relating to modifying the powers and duties of the Washington dairy products commission to include research and education related to the economic uses of nutrients produced by dairy farms.

Brief Description: Modifying the powers and duties of the Washington dairy products commission to include research and education related to the economic uses of nutrients produced by dairy farms.

Sponsors: Representatives Buys, Lytton, Dent, Blake, Stanford and McBride; by request of Department of Agriculture.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/16, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development: 2/23/16, 2/23/16 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Warnick, Chair; Takko, Ranking Member; Hobbs and Honeyford.

Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)

Background: The Dairy Products Commission administers programs to promote dairy products and conduct market research projects. The commission is funded by an assessment on milk products and uses no state general funds.

The commission is composed of nine members appointed by the Director of the Department of Agriculture. The commission comprises a dairy producer from each of the seven commission districts, one dealer, one producer-dealer, and the Director of the Department of Agriculture. Dairy producers nominate other dairy producers from their district to serve as members of the commission.

Summary of Bill: The Dairy Products Commission may conduct research and education related to economic uses of nutrients produced by dairy farms.

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: PRO: This is a good bill, allowing us to study uses of products that come from all parts of the cow. This bill allows the commission to increase consumer confidence and promote dairy products that come from all parts of the cow.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Buys, Prime Sponsor; Kirk Robinson, WA State Dept. of Agriculture.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.