HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6369
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: Senators Warnick and Van De Wege; by request of Department of Agriculture.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/20/18, 2/21/18 [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; Chapman, Vice Chair; Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Fitzgibbon, 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 the 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) The exemption from the certificate of veterinary inspection requirement for animals transported to inspected feedlots has been a point of concern. There have been cases where animals have not made it to the feedlot in time and have not had a veterinary inspection. This will help protect the health of livestock coming into the state, as well as livestock raised in the state. The bill aligns state law with federal rule.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Warnick, prime sponsor; and Hannah Street, Department of Agriculture.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.