HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2654
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 House Committee On:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Title: An act relating to certificates of veterinary inspection for animals brought into the state.
Brief Description: Concerning certificates of veterinary inspection for animals brought into the state.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake and Dent; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 1/23/18, 1/30/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Fitzgibbon, Kretz, Lytton, Orcutt, Pettigrew, Robinson, Schmick, Springer, Stanford and Walsh.
Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
Background:
The Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is authorized to adopt rules that prevent the introduction or spreading of infectious diseases into the state. This includes the authority to adopt rules regarding the inspection and testing of all animals in the state or being imported into the state.
It is unlawful for a person to bring animals into Washington without obtaining a certificate of veterinary inspection, reviewed by the state veterinarian of the state of origin, to verify that an animal meets Washington's animal health requirements. Animals that will be delivered within 12 hours after entry into the state to an approved, inspected feedlot for slaughter, to a federally inspected slaughter plant, or to either of these two locations by way of a licensed public market for sale are not required to be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection. The Director of WSDA has authority to provide other exemptions in rule.
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Summary of Bill:
The exemption from the requirement to obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection for animals transported to inspected feedlots, either directly or by way of a licensed public market within 12 hours after entry, is removed.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) agency request legislation. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires all cattle crossing state lines to come with a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). In 2013 the USDA underwent rulemaking removing the exemption for cattle going directly to slaughter by way of a restricted feed lot. This bill aligns state law with federal rule. The WSDA worked with the cattle feeders over the summer on this issue. Securing the CVIs is a component to meeting USDA disease traceability requirements. The bill does not change any current animal health requirements, but ensures that all animals come with the CVI that contains information on the animal's state of origin and destination. The Cattle Producers of Washington supports this bill because it will safeguard the health of Washington cattle herds.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Laura Butler, Washington State Department of Agriculture; Cindy Alia, Cattle Producers of Washington; and Jack Field, Washington Cattle Feeders Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.