HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2843

BYRepresentatives Todd, Crane, R. King, Vekich, Rayburn, Van Luven, P. King, Dellwo, Ferguson, McLean, Leonard, Nealey, Doty and Schoon

Establishing an equine research and education program at Washington State University.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. (10)

      Signed by Representatives Rayburn, Chair; Nealey, Ranking Republican Member; Baugher, Chandler, Doty, Grant, Kirby, McLean, Rasmussen and Youngsman.

House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The state law defines a "major line" at an institution of higher education as being the development of work and courses of study in certain subjects to their fullest extent, leading to a degree or degrees in that subject. State law designates courses of instruction in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and economic science (as it applies to agriculture and rural life) to be exclusive "major lines" of instruction at Washington State University.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  An equine research and education program is created at Washington State University (WSU) to be conducted jointly by its Department of Animal Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine.  The education program is in horse production, management, and health.  The research is to be conducted in reproduction, nutrition, exercise physiology, animal sports medicine, virology, and immunology.  Any new degree program created under the equine program must be submitted to the Higher Education Coordinating Board for approval.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The amendments alter the legislative findings and clarify that any new degree program created under the bill must be submitted to the Higher Education Coordinating Board for approval.

Appropriation:    $500,000 is appropriated to WSU for the current biennium for the program.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 24, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Crish Lydon and Dr. Gary Duskin, Washington State Horse Council; Jerry Prigge, Washington State Horsemen's Association; Don McKay, Puget Sound Quarter Horse Association; and Dr. A. L. Hallowell.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (1) Horse trainers and breeders are recruited out- of-state to fill positions in this state.  An equine program could provide the training necessary to permit the industry to hire in-state personnel.  (2) Small increases in breeding efficiency and small decreases in foal mortality would yield big bonuses to the thoroughbred industry.  This state ranks fifth in the nation in the number of registered thoroughbred foals, and the thoroughbred industry is just one part of the horse industry in this state.  (3) The horse industry supports veterinary clinics in areas of the state that would otherwise be without them.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.