ANALYSIS OF HB 1432

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee                                                  February 1, 1999

   Expressly expands the authority of the Dairy Products Commission to include participating in federal and state regulatory activities and expending funds and educating the diary industry regarding these matters.

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Dairy Products Commission is an agricultural commodity commission that has been created directly by statute.  (R.W.  15.44.020.)  Among the authorities of the Commission are: conducting scientific research designed to improve milk production, quality, transportation, processing, and distribution; and developing uses and markets for dairy products and promoting their sale.  (RCW 15.44.060.)

SUMMARY:

Expressly added to the powers of the Commission are the authorities:

    - to participate in federal and state regulatory activities and expend funds for

    these purposes when the activities affect the production, manufacture,     distribution, sale or use of dairy products; and

    - to educate the diary industry regarding such matters.