HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6278

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/20/18, 2/21/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Provides that seed certification fees may be used for services involving breeder seed, foundation seed, registered seed, and certified seed.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Chapman, Vice Chair; Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Fitzgibbon, Lytton, Orcutt, Pettigrew, Robinson, Schmick, Springer, Stanford and Walsh.

Background:

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers the Washington State Seed Act (Seed Act), which provides uniformity and consistency in the packaging of agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds. The stated purpose of the Seed Act is to facilitate the interstate movement of seeds, to protect consumers, and provide a dispute resolution process. The program tests seed samples submitted by seed growers and companies to determine compliance with purity and germination standards, and to certify seeds for domestic and international marketing, and provides for labeling of seeds in commerce. The WSDA has authority to set fees for activities performed under the program.

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Summary of Bill:

Fees for seed certification may be used for services involving breeder seed, foundation seed, registered seed, and certified seed.

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Appropriation: None.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There are many types of fees for seed services. This bill clarifies how certification fees may be used for which types of seed services.

(Opposed) None.