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                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 2204

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State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Todd, Crane, Baugher, Rayburn, Rasmussen, Fuhrman and Kremen

Read first time 3/3/89 and referred to Committee on Appropriations.

AN ACT Relating to an equine program at Washington State University; adding a new section to chapter 28B.30 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that the equine industry is a major contributor to the Washington economy and quality of life.  It provides full and part-time employment for many Washington residents, including twelve thousand people in just the horse racing aspect of the industry.  Over four hundred forty-one million dollars is spent annually in Washington for equine feed, medication, and services.  Washington is among the top ten states in the nation in the number of horses owned.

          The legislature further finds that in order to enhance the value of the equine industry in Washington it is important to have excellent research and instructional equine programs.  Washington is fortunate to have Washington State University, which is already a world leader in many aspects of equine research.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 28B.30 RCW to read as follows:

          An equine program is established at Washington State University.  The program shall have components in both the department of animal sciences in the college of agriculture and home economics and the college of veterinary medicine.  The program shall be primarily instructional, but shall also have research and extension components.  It shall develop and disseminate basic and technical information to improve horse production methods in Washington state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The sum of five hundred eighty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to Washington State University for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, to establish an equine program.