FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1063

                         C 160 L 93

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying provisions regarding the Washington wine commission.

By House Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Rayburn, Chandler, Chappell, Grant, Roland, Ludwig, Riley, Padden, Hansen, Lemmon and Lisk).

House Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development

House Committee on Revenue

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Background:  In 1987, the Legislature created the Washington Wine Commission to promote Washington wine and to serve other, related interests of those who grow wine grapes and produce wine in this state.  The commission is composed of 11 voting members, five of whom are growers of vinifera grapes, five of whom are wine producers, and one of whom is a licensed wine wholesaler.  The commission also has two nonvoting members: one wine producer whose principal products are produced from fruit other than vinifera grapes; and the director of the Department of Agriculture, or the director's designee.

The commission is funded, in part, by assessments on wine producers and growers of vinifera grapes.  The commission also receives the revenues from a tax of 0.25 cents per liter on wine sold to wine wholesalers or to the state's Liquor Control Board.  This tax expires on July 1, 1993.

As part of its promotional activities, such as wine tasting competitions and fairs, the commission may purchase or receive donations of Washington wine.

Summary:  The portion of the wine tax which is used to support the activities of the commission no longer expires on July 1, 1993.  It now expires on July 1, 2001.  The Washington Wine Commission may also purchase or receive wines produced outside of this state for use in its promotional activities. 

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97 0

Senate 45 0

Effective:  July 1, 1993