AN ACT Relating to regulating commodity boards and commissions; amending RCW 15.65.020, 15.65.040, 15.65.050, 15.65.060, 15.65.070, 15.65.090, 15.65.120, 15.65.170, 15.65.180, 15.65.200, 15.65.220, 15.65.230, 15.65.235, 15.65.240, 15.65.250, 15.65.260, 15.65.270, 15.65.280, 15.65.375, 15.65.380, 15.65.430, 15.65.450, 15.65.570, 15.66.010, 15.66.030, 15.66.050, 15.66.060, 15.66.070, 15.66.090, 15.66.110, 15.66.120, 15.66.130, 15.66.140, 15.66.180, 15.66.185, 15.66.245, 15.66.260, 42.17.31907, 16.67.030, 16.67.070, 16.67.090, 16.67.120, 16.67.122, 15.44.010, 15.44.020, 15.44.035, 15.44.038, 15.44.060, 15.44.070, 15.44.080, 15.44.085, 15.44.110, 15.44.140, 15.44.150, 15.28.010, 15.28.020, 15.28.110, 15.28.130, 15.28.250, 15.88.050, 15.76.150, 15.24.010, 15.24.020, 15.24.040, 15.24.050, 15.24.070, 15.24.080, 15.24.085, 15.24.090, 15.24.100, 15.24.110, 15.24.160, 15.24.170, 15.24.800, 15.24.802, 15.24.806, 15.24.808, 15.24.812, 15.24.818, 15.24.900, 15.26.130, and 15.26.250; adding new sections to chapter 15.65 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 15.66 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 15.26 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 15.28 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 15.44 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 15.88 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 16.67 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 15.24 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.23 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 15.88 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 15.65.030, 15.65.080, 15.65.460, 15.65.405, 15.66.020, 16.67.020, 15.44.037, 15.44.900, and 15.28.900; prescribing penalties; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

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

Sec. 1. RCW 15.65.020 and 1993 c 80 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The following terms are hereby defined:

(1) "Director" means the director of agriculture of the state of Washington or his or her duly appointed representative. The phrase "director or his or her designee" means the director unless, in the provisions of any marketing agreement or order, he or she has designated an administrator, board, or other designee to act ((~~for him~~)) in the matter designated, in which case "director or his or her designee" means for such order or agreement the administrator, board, or other person(s) so designated and not the director.

(2) "Department" means the department of agriculture of the state of Washington.

(3) "Marketing order" means an order ((~~issued~~)) adopted by the director ((~~pursuant to~~)) under this chapter that establishes a commodity board for an agricultural commodity or agricultural commodities with like or common qualities or producers.

(4) "Marketing agreement" means an agreement entered into and issued by the director pursuant to this chapter.

(5) "Agricultural commodity" means any of the following commodities or products: Llamas, alpacas, or any other animal or any distinctive type of agricultural, horticultural, viticultural, floricultural, vegetable, or animal product, including, but not limited to, products qualifying as organic food products under chapter 15.86 RCW and private sector cultured aquatic products as defined in RCW 15.85.020 and other fish and fish products, either in its natural or processed state, including beehives containing bees and honey and Christmas trees but not including timber or timber products. The director is hereby authorized to determine (on the basis of common usage and practice) what kinds, types or sub-types should be classed together as an agricultural commodity for the purposes of this chapter.

(6) "Production area" and "marketing area" means any area defined as such in any marketing order or agreement in accordance with RCW 15.65.350. "Affected area" means the marketing or production area so defined in such order, agreement or proposal.

(7) "Unit" of an agricultural commodity means a unit of volume, weight, quantity, or other measure in which such commodity is commonly measured. The director shall designate in each marketing order and agreement the unit to be used therein.

(8) "Affected unit" means in the case of marketing agreements and orders drawn on the basis of a production area, any unit of the commodity specified in or covered by such agreement or order which is produced in such area and sold or marketed or delivered for sale or marketing; and "affected unit" means, in the case of marketing agreements and orders drawn on the basis of marketing area, any unit of the commodity specified in or covered by such agreement or order which is stored in frozen condition or sold or marketed or delivered for sale or marketing within such marketing area: PROVIDED, That in the case of marketing agreements "affected unit" shall include only those units which are produced by producers or handled by handlers who have assented to such agreement.

(9) "Affected commodity" means that part or portion of any agricultural commodity which is covered by or forms the subject matter of any marketing agreement or order or proposal, and includes all affected units thereof as herein defined and no others.

(10) "Producer" means any person engaged in the business of producing any agricultural commodity for market in commercial quantities. "Affected producer" means any producer ((~~of an affected commodity~~)) who is subject to a marketing order or agreement. "To produce" means to act as a producer. For the purposes of RCW 15.65.140 and 15.65.160 as now or hereafter amended "producer" shall include bailees who contract to produce or grow any agricultural product on behalf of a bailor who retains title to the seed and its resulting agricultural product or the agricultural product delivered for further production or increase.

(11) "Handler" means any person who acts, either as principal, agent or otherwise, in processing, selling, marketing or distributing an agricultural commodity or storage of a frozen agricultural commodity which was not produced by him or her. "Handler" does not mean a common carrier used to transport an agricultural commodity. "Affected handler" means any handler of an affected commodity. "To handle" means to act as a handler.

(12) "Producer-handler" means any person who acts both as a producer and as a handler with respect to any agricultural commodity. A producer-handler shall be deemed to be a producer with respect to the agricultural commodities which he or she produces, and a handler with respect to the agricultural commodities which he or she handles, including those produced by himself or herself.

(13) "Cooperative association" means any incorporated or unincorporated association of producers which conforms to the qualifications set out in the act of congress of the United States of February 18, 1922 as amended, known as the "Capper-Volstead Act" and which is engaged in making collective sales or in marketing any agricultural commodity or product thereof or in rendering service for or advancing the interests of the producers of such commodity on a nonprofit cooperative basis.

(14) "Member of a cooperative association" means any producer who markets his or her product through such cooperative association and who is a voting stockholder of or has a vote in the control of or is a party to a marketing agreement with such cooperative association with respect to such product.

(15) "Producer marketing" or "marketed by producers" means any or all operations performed by any producer or cooperative association of producers in preparing for market and marketing, and shall include: (a) selling any agricultural commodity produced by such producer(s) to any handler; (b) delivering any such commodity or otherwise disposing of it for commercial purposes to or through any handler.

(16) "Commercial quantities" as applied to producers and/or production means such quantities per year (or other period of time) of an agricultural commodity as the director finds are not less than the minimum which a prudent man engaged in agricultural production would produce for the purpose of making such quantity of such commodity a substantial contribution to the economic operation of the farm on which such commodity is produced. "Commercial quantities" as applied to handlers and/or handling means such quantities per year (or other period of time) of an agricultural commodity or product thereof as the director finds are not less than the minimum which a prudent man engaged in such handling would handle for the purpose of making such quantity a substantial contribution to the handling operation in which such commodity or product thereof is so handled. In either case the director may in his or her discretion: (a) Determine that substantial quantity is any amount above zero; and (b) apply the quantity so determined on a uniform rule applicable alike to all persons which he or she finds to be similarly situated.

(17) "Commodity board" means any board established pursuant to RCW 15.65.220. "Board" means any such commodity board unless a different board is expressly specified.

(18) "Sell" includes offer for sale, expose for sale, have in possession for sale, exchange, barter or trade.

(19) "Section" means a section of this chapter unless some other statute is specifically mentioned. The present includes the past and future tenses, and the past or future the present. The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter. The singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.

(20) "Represented in a referendum" means that a written document evidencing approval or assent or disapproval or dissent is duly and timely filed with or mailed to the director by or on behalf of an affected producer and/or a volume of production of an affected commodity in a form which the director finds meets the requirements of this chapter. "Referendum" means a vote by the affected parties or affected producers which is conducted by secret ballot.

(21) "Person" ((~~as used in this chapter shall mean any person, firm, association or corporation~~)) means any individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, trust, association, partnership, society, or any other organization of individuals, or any unit or agency of local, state, or federal government.

(22) "Affected parties" means any producer, affected producer, handler, or commodity board member.

(23) "Assessment" means the monetary amount established in a marketing order or agreement that is to be paid by each affected producer to a commodity board in accordance with the schedule established in the marketing order or agreement.

(24) "List of affected parties" means a list containing the names and mailing addresses of affected parties. This list shall contain the names and addresses of all affected parties and, if requested by the director, the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity produced during a designated period under this chapter.

(25) "List of affected producers" means a list containing the names and mailing addresses of affected producers. This list shall contain the names and addresses of all affected producers and, if requested by the director, the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity produced during a designated period under this chapter.

(26) "List of affected handlers" means a list containing the names and addresses of affected handlers. This list shall contain the names and addresses of all affected handlers and, if requested by the director, the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity handled during a designated period under this chapter.

(27) "Mail" or "send" for purposes of any notice relating to rule making, referenda, or elections means regular mail or electronic distribution, as provided in RCW 34.05.260 for rule making. "Electronic distribution" or "electronically" means distribution by electronic mail or facsimile mail.

(28) "Percent by numbers" means the percent of those persons on the list of affected parties or affected producers.

(29) "Rule-making proceedings" means the rule-making provisions as outlined in chapter 34.05 RCW.

(30) "Vacancy" means that a board member leaves or is removed from a board position prior to the end of a term, or a nomination process for the beginning of a term concludes with no candidates for a position.

(31) "Volume of production" means the percent of the average volume of production of the affected commodity of those on the list of affected parties or affected producers for a production period. For the purposes of this chapter, a production period is a minimum three-year period or as specified in the marketing order or agreement.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

The history, economy, culture, and the future of Washington state to a large degree all involve agriculture. In order to develop and promote Washington's agricultural products as part of the existing comprehensive scheme to regulate agricultural commodities, the legislature declares:

(1) That the marketing of agricultural products within this state is in the public interest. It is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its agricultural commodities be properly promoted by (a) enabling producers of agricultural commodities to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, and standardizing of the commodities they produce and (b) working towards stabilizing the agricultural industry by increasing consumption of agricultural commodities within the state, the nation, and internationally;

(2) That farmers and ranchers operate within a regulatory environment that imposes burdens on them for the benefit of society and the citizens of the state and includes restrictions on marketing autonomy. Those restrictions may impair the agricultural producer's ability to compete in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(3) That it is now in the overriding public interest that support for the agricultural industry be clearly expressed, that adequate protection be given to agricultural commodities, uses, activities, and operations, and that each agricultural commodity be promoted individually, and as part of a comprehensive industry to:

(a) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agricultural commodities;

(b) Increase the sale and use of Washington state's agricultural commodities in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(c) Protect the public by educating the public in reference to the quality, care, and methods used in the production of Washington state's agricultural commodities;

(d) Increase the knowledge of the health-giving qualities and dietetic value of Washington state's agricultural commodities and products; and

(e) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the planting, production, harvesting, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of agricultural commodities produced in Washington state;

(4) That the director seek to enhance, protect, and perpetuate the ability of the private sector to produce food and fiber, and seek to maintain the economic well-being of the agricultural industry in Washington state consistent with its regulatory activities and responsibilities;

(5) That the director is hereby authorized to implement, administer, and enforce this chapter through the adoption of marketing orders that establish commodity boards; and

(6) That this chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

This chapter and the rules adopted under it are only one aspect of the comprehensively regulated agricultural industry.

(1) Other laws applicable to agricultural commodities include the following chapters and the rules adopted thereunder:

Chapter 15.08 RCW Horticultural pests and diseases;

Chapter 15.13 RCW Horticultural plants and facilities‑-Inspection and licensing;

Chapter 15.14 RCW Planting stock;

Chapter 15.15 RCW Certified seed potatoes;

Chapter 15.17 RCW Standards of grades and packs;

Chapter 15.19 RCW Certification and inspection of ginseng;

Chapter 15.30 RCW Controlled atmosphere storage of fruits and vegetables;

Chapter 15.49 RCW Seeds;

Chapter 15.53 RCW Commercial feed;

Chapter 15.54 RCW Fertilizers, minerals, and limes;

Chapter 15.58 RCW Washington pesticide control act;

Chapter 15.60 RCW Apiaries;

Chapter 15.64 RCW Farm marketing;

Chapter 15.83 RCW Agricultural marketing and fair practices;

Chapter 15.85 RCW Aquaculture marketing;

Chapter 15.86 RCW Organic food products;

Chapter 15.92 RCW Center for sustaining agriculture and natural resources;

Chapter 17.24 RCW Insect pests and plant diseases;

Chapter 19.94 RCW Weights and measures;

Chapter 20.01 RCW Agricultural products‑-Commission merchants, dealers, brokers, buyers, agents;

Chapter 22.09 RCW Agricultural commodities;

Chapter 69.04 RCW Food, drugs, cosmetics, and poisons including provisions of 21 C.F.R. relating to the general manufacturing practices, food labeling, food standards, food additives, and pesticide tolerances;

Chapter 69.07 RCW Washington food processing act;

Chapter 69.25 RCW Washington wholesome eggs and egg products act;

Chapter 69.28 RCW Honey;

7 U.S.C., section 136, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

(2) In addition to the laws and regulations listed in subsection (1) of this section that apply to the agricultural industry as a whole, the dry pea and lentil industry is regulated by or must comply with the additional laws and rules adopted under 7 U.S.C., chapter 38, Agricultural Marketing Act.

Sec. 4. RCW 15.65.040 and 2001 c 315 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~It is hereby declared to be the policy of this chapter~~)) The director may adopt a marketing order that establishes a commodity board under this chapter for any of the following purposes:

(1) To aid agricultural producers in preventing economic waste in the marketing of their agricultural commodities and in developing more efficient methods of marketing agricultural products.

(2) To enable agricultural producers of this state, with the aid of the state:

(a) To develop, and engage in research for developing, better and more efficient production, irrigation, processing, transportation, handling, marketing, and utilization of agricultural products;

(b) To establish orderly marketing of agricultural commodities;

(d) To provide methods and means (including, but not limited to, public relations and promotion) for the maintenance of present markets and for the development of new or larger markets, both domestic and foreign, for agricultural commodities produced within this state and for the prevention, modification, or elimination of trade barriers which obstruct the free flow of such agricultural commodities to market;

(e) To eliminate or reduce economic waste in the marketing and/or use of agricultural commodities;

(f) To restore and maintain adequate purchasing power for the agricultural producers of this state;

(g) To provide information or communicate on matters pertaining to the production, irrigation, processing, transportation, marketing, or uses of an agricultural commodity produced in Washington state to any elected official or officer or employee of any agency;

(h) To provide marketing information and services for producers of an agricultural commodity;

(i) To provide information and services for meeting resource conservation objectives of producers of an agricultural commodity;

(j) To engage in cooperative efforts in the domestic or foreign marketing of food products of an agricultural commodity;

(k) To provide for commodity-related education and training; and

(l) To accomplish all the declared policies of this chapter.

(3) To protect the interest of consumers by assuring a sufficient pure and wholesome supply of agricultural commodities of good quality at all seasons and times.

Sec. 5. RCW 15.65.050 and 1961 c 256 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

The director shall administer and enforce this chapter and it shall be his or her duty to carry out its provisions and put them into force in accordance with its terms, but issuance, amendment, modification, and/or suspension ((~~and/or termination~~)) of marketing agreements and orders and of any terms or provisions thereof shall be accomplished according to the procedures set forth in this chapter and not otherwise. Whenever he or she has reason to believe that the issuance((,)) or amendment ((~~or termination~~)) of a marketing agreement or order will tend to effectuate any declared policy or purpose of this chapter with respect to any agricultural commodity, and in the case of application for issuance or amendment ten or more producers of such commodity apply or ((~~in the case of application for termination ten percent of the affected producers so apply~~)) when a petition for amendment is submitted by majority vote of a commodity board, then the director shall give due notice of, and an opportunity for, a public hearing upon such issuance((,)) or amendment ((~~or termination~~)), and ((he)) the director shall issue marketing agreements and orders containing the provisions specified in this chapter and from time to time amend ((~~or terminate~~)) the same whenever upon compliance with and on the basis of facts adduced in accordance with the procedural requirements of this chapter he or she shall find that such agreement, order, or amendment:

(1) Will tend to effectuate one or more of the declared policies of this chapter and is needed in order to effectuate the same.

(2) Is reasonably adapted to accomplish the purposes and objects for which it is issued and complies with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

(3) Has been approved or favored by the percentages of producers and/or handlers specified in and ascertained in accordance with this chapter.

Sec. 6. RCW 15.65.060 and 1961 c 256 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

The director shall cause any ((~~proposed~~)) marketing agreement, order proposed for issuance, or amendment ((~~or termination~~)) to be set out in detailed form and reduced to writing, which writing is herein designated "proposal." The director shall make and maintain on file in the office of the department a copy of each proposal and a full and complete record of all notices, hearings, findings, decisions, assents, and all other proceedings relating to each proposal and to each marketing agreement and order.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The director may adopt rules necessary to carry out the director's duties and responsibilities under this chapter including:

(a) The issuance, amendment, or termination of marketing orders or agreements;

(b) Procedural, technical, or administrative rules which may address and include, but are not limited to:

(i) The submission of a petition to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order or agreement under this chapter;

(ii) Nominations conducted under this chapter;

(iii) Elections of board members or referenda conducted under this chapter;

(iv) Actions of the director upon a petition to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order or agreement;

(i) The costs of staff support for all commodity boards and commissions in accordance with section 78 of this act if the position is not directly funded by the legislature; and

(ii) The actual costs related to the specific activity undertaken on behalf of an individual commodity board or commission.

(2) The director may adopt amendments to marketing agreements or orders without conducting a referendum if the amendments are adopted under the following criteria:

(a) The proposed amendments relate only to internal administration of a marketing order or agreement and are not subject to violation by a person;

(b) The proposed amendments adopt or incorporate by reference without material change federal statutes or regulations, Washington state statutes, or rules of other Washington state agencies, if the material adopted or incorporated regulates the same activities as are authorized under the marketing order or agreement;

(c) The proposed amendments only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing the marketing order or agreement; and

(d) The content of the proposed amendments is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.

A marketing order or agreement shall not be amended without a referendum to provide that a majority of the commodity board members be appointed by the director.

Sec. 8. RCW 15.65.070 and 1987 c 393 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

The director shall publish notice of any hearing called for the purpose of considering and acting upon any proposal for a period of not less than two days in one or more newspapers of general circulation as the director may prescribe. No such public hearing shall be held prior to five days after the last day of such period of publication. Such notice shall set forth the date, time and place of said hearing, the agricultural commodity and the area covered by such proposal; a concise statement of the proposal; a concise statement of each additional subject upon which the director will hear evidence and make a determination, and a statement that, and the address where, copies of the proposal may be obtained. The director shall also mail ((~~a copy of such~~)) notice to all producers and handlers within the affected area who may be directly affected by such proposal and whose names and addresses appear, on the day next preceding the day on which such notice is published, upon lists of such persons then on file in the department.

Sec. 9. RCW 15.65.090 and 1961 c 256 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~In any and every hearing conducted pursuant to any provision of this chapter~~)) The director ((~~and/or such examiner~~)) shall have the power to issue subpoenas for the production of any books, records, or documents of any kind and to subpoena witnesses to be produced or to appear (as the case may be) in the county wherein the principal party involved in such hearing resides. No person shall be excused from attending and testifying or from producing documentary evidence before the director in obedience to the subpoena of the director on the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of him or her may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to a penalty or forfeiture, but no natural person shall be prosecuted or subject to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which he or she may be so required to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, before the director in obedience to a subpoena issued by him or her: PROVIDED, That no natural person so testifying shall be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. The superior court of the county in which any such hearing or proceeding may be had, may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, papers, books, accounts, documents and testimony as required by such subpoena. In case any witness refuses to attend or testify or produce any papers required by the subpoena, the director or his or her examiner shall so report to the superior court of the county in which the proceeding is pending by petition setting forth that due notice was given of the time and place of attendance of ((~~said~~)) the witness or the production of ((~~said~~)) the papers and that the witness has been summoned in the manner prescribed in this chapter and that the fees and mileage of the witness have been paid or tendered to him or her in accordance with RCW 2.40.020 and that he or she has failed to attend or produce the papers required by the subpoena at the hearing, cause, or proceeding specified in the notice and subpoena, or has refused to answer questions propounded to him or her in the course of such hearing, cause or proceeding, and shall ask an order of the court to compel such witness to appear and testify before the director. The court upon such petition shall enter an order directing the witness to appear before the court at a time and place to be fixed in such order and then and there show cause why he or she has not responded to the subpoena. A certified copy of the show cause order shall be served upon the witness. If it shall appear to the court that the subpoena was regularly issued, the court shall enter a decree that ((~~said~~)) the witness appear at the time and place fixed in the decree and testify or produce the required papers, and on failing to obey said decree the witness shall be dealt with as for contempt of court.

Sec. 10. RCW 15.65.120 and 1985 c 261 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

The recommended decision shall contain the text in full of any recommended agreement, order, or amendment ((~~or termination~~)), and may deny or approve the proposal in its entirety, or it may recommend a marketing agreement, order, or amendment ((~~or termination~~)) containing other or different terms or conditions from those contained in the proposal: PROVIDED, That the same shall be of a kind or type substantially within the purview of the notice of hearing and shall be supported by evidence taken at the hearing or by documents of which the director is authorized to take official notice. The final decision shall set out in full the text of the agreement, order, or amendment ((~~or termination~~)) covered thereby, and the director shall issue and deliver or mail copies of ((~~said~~)) the final decision to all producers and handlers within the affected area who may be directly affected by such final decision and whose names and addresses appear, on the day next preceding the day on which such final decision is issued, upon the lists of such persons then on file in the department, and to all parties of record appearing at the hearing, or their attorneys of record. If the final decision denies the proposal in its entirety no further action shall be taken by the director.

Sec. 11. RCW 15.65.170 and 1987 c 393 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

If the director determines that the requisite assent has been given ((he shall issue and put any order or amendment thereto into force, whereupon each and every provision thereof shall have the force of law. Issuance shall be accomplished by publication of a notice for one day in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected area. The notice shall state that the order has been issued and put into force and where copies of such order may be obtained)) to issue or amend a marketing order, the issuance or amendment shall be adopted by rule by the director within thirty days of the validation of the vote. If the director determines that the requisite assent has not been given no further action shall be taken by the director upon the proposal, and the order contained in the final decision shall be without force or effect.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

The director shall not be required to hold a public hearing or a referendum more than once in any twelve-month period on petitions to issue, amend, or terminate a commodity marketing order if any of the following circumstances are present:

(1) The petition proposes to establish a marketing order or agreement for the same commodity;

(2) The petition proposes the same or a similar amendment to a marketing order or agreement; or

(3) The petition proposes to terminate the same marketing order or agreement.

Sec. 13. RCW 15.65.180 and 1961 c 256 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

The director may, upon the advice of the commodity board serving under any marketing agreement or order and without compliance with the provisions of RCW 15.65.050 through 15.65.170((:

~~(1) Amend any marketing agreement or order as to any minor matter or wording which does not substantially alter the provisions and intention of such agreement or order;~~

~~(2)~~)), suspend any such agreement or order or term or provision thereof for a period of not to exceed one year, if ((he)) the director finds that such suspension will tend to effectuate the declared policy of this chapter((~~: PROVIDED, That~~)). Any ((~~such~~)) suspension of all or substantially all of ((~~such~~)) a marketing agreement or order by the director shall not become effective until the end of the then current marketing season.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

The director may terminate a marketing order or agreement in accordance with this chapter.

(1) To terminate a marketing order or agreement:

(a) The director must receive a petition by affected producers under this chapter signed by at least ten percent of the affected producers; or

(b) A majority of a commodity board may file a petition with the director.

(2) The petitioners must include in the petition at the time of filing:

(a) A statement of why the marketing order or agreement and the commodity board created under it no longer meets the purposes of this chapter;

(b) The name of a person designated to represent the petitioners; and

(c) The effective date of a marketing order or agreement termination, which may not be less than one year from the date the petition was filed with the director.

(3) Within sixty days of receipt of a petition meeting the requirements of this section, the director shall commence rule-making proceedings to repeal the marketing order or agreement and, subsequently, a referendum on the issue.

(4) The director shall include a copy of a petition to terminate a marketing order or agreement with the notice to affected producers when rule-making proceedings are commenced.

(5) If the petitioners fail to meet the requirements of this chapter, the director shall deny the petition and a referendum vote will not be conducted. The person designated to represent the petitioners shall be notified if a petition is denied.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 15. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

Except as provided in RCW 15.65.190 or subsection (4) of this section, the director, prior to termination of the marketing order or agreement, shall conduct a referendum as provided in this chapter, the rules adopted by the director, and the applicable marketing order or agreement.

(1) If a referendum on the termination of a marketing order or agreement is assented to, the referendum proposal shall be adopted by the director within thirty days of the count of the ballots and shall go into effect under chapter 34.05 RCW. If those affected producers eligible to vote in the referendum do not assent, no further action shall be taken by the director on the proposal.

(2) The list of affected producers used for conducting a referendum on the termination of a marketing order or agreement shall be kept in the rule-making file by the director. The list shall be certified as a true representation of the referendum mailing list. Inadvertent failure to notify an affected producer does not invalidate a referendum.

(3) The list of affected producers that is certified as the true representation of the mailing list of a referendum shall be used to determine assent as provided for in RCW 15.65.190.

(4) If the director determines that one hundred percent of the affected producers have filed a written application with the director requesting that a marketing order or agreement be terminated, the director may terminate the marketing order or agreement without conducting a referendum. The termination of the marketing order or agreement shall go into effect under chapter 34.05 RCW, but no sooner than at the end of the marketing season then current.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

If after complying with the procedures outlined in this chapter and a referendum proposal to terminate a marketing order or agreement is assented to, the affected commodity board shall:

(1) Document the details of all measures undertaken to terminate the marketing order and identify and document all closing costs;

(2) Contact the office of the state auditor and arrange for a final audit of the commodity board. Payment for the audit shall be from commodity board funds and identified in the budget for closing costs;

(3) Provide for the reimbursement to affected producers of moneys collected by assessment. Reimbursement shall be made to those considered affected producers over the previous three-year time frame on a pro rata basis and at a percent commensurate with their volume of production over the previous three-year period unless a different time period is specified in the marketing order or agreement. If the commodity board finds that the amounts of moneys are so small as to make impractical the computation and remitting of the pro rata refund, the moneys shall be paid into the state treasury as unclaimed trust moneys; and

(4) Transfer all remaining files to the department for storage and archiving, as appropriate.

Sec. 17. RCW 15.65.200 and 1985 c 261 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Whenever application is made for the issuance of a marketing agreement or order or the director otherwise determines to hold a hearing for the purpose of such issuance, the director or ((~~his~~)) a designee shall ((cause lists to be prepared from any information which he has at hand or which he may obtain from producers, associations of producers and handlers of the affected commodity. Such lists shall contain the names and addresses of persons who produce the affected commodity within the affected area, the amount of such commodity produced by each such person during the period which the director determines for the purposes of the agreement or order to be representative, and the name of any cooperative association authorized to market for him within the affected area the commodity specified in the marketing agreement or order. Such lists shall also contain the names and addresses of persons who handle the affected commodity within the affected area and the amount of such commodity handled by each person during the period which the director determines for the purposes of the agreement or order to be representative. Any qualified person may at any time have his name placed upon any list for which he qualifies by delivering or mailing his name, address and other information to the director and in such case the director shall verify such person's qualifications and if he qualifies, place his name upon such list. At every hearing upon the issuance, amendment or termination of such order or agreement the director or his designee shall take evidence for the purpose of making such lists complete and accurate and he may employ his powers of subpoena of witnesses and of books, records and documents for such purpose. After every such hearing the director shall compile, complete, correct and bring lists up to date in accordance with the evidence and information obtained at such hearing. For all purposes of giving notice, holding referenda and electing members of commodity boards, the lists on hand corrected up to the day next preceding the date for issuing notices or ballots as the case may be shall, for all purposes of this chapter, be deemed to be the list of all persons entitled to notice or to assent or dissent or to vote)) establish a list of affected parties along with volume of production data covering a minimum three-year period, or in such lesser time as the affected party has produced the commodity in question, from information provided by the petitioners, by obtaining information on affected parties from applicable producer, handler, or processor organizations or associations or other sources identified as maintaining the information.

(2) The director shall use the list of affected parties for the purpose of notice, referendum proceedings, and electing and selecting members of commodity boards in accordance with this chapter.

(3) An affected party may at any time file his or her name and mailing address with the director. A list of affected parties may be brought up-to-date by the director up to the day preceding a mailing of a notice or ballot under this chapter and that list is deemed the list of affected parties entitled to vote.

(4) The list of affected parties used for the issuance of a marketing order or agreement shall be kept in a file maintained by the director. The list shall be certified as a true representation of the mailing list. Inadvertent failure to notify an affected party does not invalidate a proceeding conducted under this chapter.

(5) The list of affected parties that is certified as the true representation of the mailing list of a referendum shall be used to determine assent as provided in this chapter.

(6) The director shall provide the commodity board the list of affected and interested parties once a marketing order or agreement is adopted and a commodity board is established as provided in this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 18. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Pursuant to RCW 42.17.31907, certain agricultural business records, commodity board records, and department of agriculture records relating to commodity boards and producers of agricultural commodities are exempt from public disclosure.

(2) Financial and commercial information and records submitted to either the department or a commodity board for the purpose of administering this chapter or a marketing order or agreement may be shared between the department and the applicable commodity board. They may also be used, if required, in any suit or administrative hearing involving this chapter or a marketing order or agreement.

(3) This chapter does not prohibit:

(a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of a number of persons subject to any marketing order or agreement as long as the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or

(b) The publication by the director or a commodity board of the name of any person violating any marketing order or agreement and a statement of the manner of the violation by that person.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 19. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon completion of any vote, referendum, or nomination and elections, the department shall tally the results of the vote and provide the results to affected parties.

(2) If an affected party disputes the results of a vote, that affected party, within sixty days from the announced results, shall provide in writing a statement of why the vote is disputed and request a recount.

(3) Once the vote is tallied and distributed, all disputes are resolved, and all matters in a vote are finalized, the individual ballots may be destroyed.

Sec. 20. RCW 15.65.220 and 1961 c 256 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Every marketing agreement and order shall provide for the establishment of a commodity board of not less than five nor more than thirteen members and shall specify the exact number thereof and all details as to (a) qualification, (b) nomination, (c) election or appointment by the director, (d) term of office, and (e) powers, duties, and all other matters pertaining to such board.

(2) The members of the board shall be producers or handlers or both in such proportion as the director shall specify in the marketing agreement or order, but in any marketing order or agreement the number of handlers on the board shall not exceed the number of producers thereon. The marketing order or agreement may provide that a majority of the board be appointed by the director, but in any event, no less than one-third of the board members shall be elected by the affected producers.

(3) In the event that the marketing order or agreement provides that a majority of the commodity board be appointed by the director, the marketing order or agreement shall incorporate either the provisions of section 24 or 25 of this act for board member selection.

(4) The director shall appoint to every ((~~such~~)) board one ((~~person~~)) member who ((~~is neither a producer nor a handler to~~)) represents the ((~~department and the public generally~~)) director. The director shall be a voting member of each commodity board.

Sec. 21. RCW 15.65.230 and 2001 c 315 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

A producer member of each commodity board must be a practical producer of the affected commodity and must be a citizen, resident of this state, and over the age of eighteen years. Each producer board member must be and have been actually engaged in producing such a commodity within the state of Washington for a period of five years and have, during that period, derived a substantial portion of his or her income therefrom and not be engaged in business, directly or indirectly, as a handler or other dealer. A handler member of each board must be a practical handler of the affected commodity and must be a citizen, resident of this state, and over the age of ((~~twenty-five~~)) eighteen years. Each handler board member must be and have been, either individually or as an officer or employee of a corporation, firm, partnership, association, or cooperative, actually engaged in handling such a commodity within the state of Washington for a period of five years and have, during that period, derived a substantial portion of his or her income therefrom. The qualification of a member of the board as set forth in this section must continue during the term of office.

Sec. 22. RCW 15.65.235 and 1971 c 25 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever any commodity board is formed under the provisions of this chapter and it only affects producers and producer-handlers, then such producer-handlers shall be considered to be acting only as producers for purpose of ((~~election and~~)) membership on a commodity board: PROVIDED, That this section shall not apply to a commodity board which only affects producers and producer-handlers of essential oils.

Sec. 23. RCW 15.65.240 and 1961 c 256 s 24 are each amended to read as follows:

The term of office of board members shall be three years, and one-third as nearly as may be shall be elected or appointed every year: PROVIDED, That at the inception of any agreement or order the entire board shall be elected or appointed one-third for a term of one year, one-third for a term of two years and one-third for a term of three years to the end that memberships on such board shall be on a rotating basis. In the event an order or agreement provides that both producers and handlers shall be members of such board the terms of each type of member shall be so arranged that one-third of the handler members as nearly as may be and one-third of the producer members as nearly as may be shall be elected or appointed each year.

Any marketing agreement or order may provide for election or appointment of board members by districts, in which case district lines and the number of board members to be elected or appointed from each district shall be specified in such agreement or order and upon such basis as the director finds to be fair and equitable and reasonably adapted to effectuate the declared policies of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 24. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) This section or section 25 of this act applies when the director appoints a majority of the board positions as set forth under RCW 15.65.220(3).

(2) Candidates for director-appointed board positions on a commodity board shall be nominated under RCW 15.65.250.

(3) The director shall cause an advisory vote to be held for the director-appointed positions. Not less than ten days in advance of the vote, advisory ballots shall be mailed to all producers or handlers entitled to vote, if their names appear upon the list of affected parties or affected producers or handlers, whichever is applicable. Notice of every advisory vote for board membership shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected area defined in the order or agreement not less than ten days in advance of the date of the vote. The advisory ballot shall be conducted in a manner so that it is a secret ballot. The names of the two candidates receiving the most votes in the advisory vote shall be forwarded to the director for potential appointment to the board. In the event there are only two candidates nominated for a board position, an advisory vote may not be held and the candidates' names shall be forwarded to the director for potential appointment.

(4) The candidates whose names are forwarded to the director for potential appointment shall submit to the director a letter stating why he or she wishes to be appointed to the board. The director may select either person for the position.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 25. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) This section or section 24 of this act applies when the director appoints a majority of the board positions as set forth under RCW 15.65.220(3).

(2) Candidates for director-appointed board positions on a commodity board shall be nominated under RCW 15.65.250.

(3) The director shall cause an advisory vote to be held for the director-appointed positions. Not less than ten days in advance of the vote, advisory ballots shall be mailed to all producers or handlers entitled to vote, if their names appear upon the list of affected parties or affected producers or handlers, whichever is applicable. Notice of every advisory vote for board membership shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected area defined in the order or agreement not less than ten days in advance of the date of the vote. The advisory ballot shall be conducted in a manner so that it is a secret ballot. The name of the candidate receiving the most votes in the advisory vote shall be forwarded to the director for appointment to the commodity board.

(4) The director shall appoint the candidate receiving the most votes in an advisory ballot unless the candidate fails to meet the qualifications of commodity board members under this chapter and the marketing order. In the event the director rejects the candidate receiving the most votes, the position is vacant and shall be filled under RCW 15.65.270(2).

Sec. 26. RCW 15.65.250 and 1987 c 393 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purpose of nominating candidates ((~~to be voted upon~~)) for ((~~election to such~~)) board memberships, the director shall call separate meetings of the affected producers and handlers within the affected area and in case elections shall be by districts ((he)) the director shall call separate meetings for each district. However, at the inception any marketing agreement or order nominations may be at the issuance hearing. Nomination meetings shall be called annually and at least thirty days in advance of the date set for the election of board members. Notice of every such meeting shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected area defined in the order or agreement not less than ten days in advance of the date of such meeting and in addition, written notice of every such meeting shall be given to all on the list of affected parties or affected producers and/or handlers ((~~according to the list thereof maintained by the director pursuant to RCW 15.65.200~~)), whichever is applicable. However, if the agreement or order provides for election by districts such written notice need be given only to the producers or handlers residing in or whose principal place of business is within such district. Nonreceipt of notice by any interested person shall not invalidate proceedings at such meetings. Any qualified person may be nominated orally for membership upon such board at the said meetings. Nominations may also be made within five days after any such meeting by written petition filed with the director signed by not less than five producers or handlers, as the case may be, entitled to have participated in said meeting.

If the board moves and the director approves that the nomination meeting procedure be deleted, the director shall give notice of the vacancy by mail to all affected producers or handlers. The notice shall call for nominations in accordance with the marketing order or agreement and shall give the final date for filing nominations which shall not be less than twenty days after the notice was mailed.

Not more than one board member may be part of the same "person" as defined by this chapter. When only one nominee is nominated for any position on the board, the director shall ((~~deem that said nominee satisfies the requirements of the position and then it shall be deemed that said nominee has been duly~~)) determine whether the nominee meets the qualifications for the position and, if so, the director shall declare the nominee elected or appoint the nominee to the position.

Sec. 27. RCW 15.65.260 and 1985 c 261 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The elected members of every ((~~such~~)) commodity board shall be elected by secret mail ballot under the supervision of the director. Elected producer members of ((~~such~~)) the board shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the affected producers within the affected area, but if the marketing order or agreement provides for districts such producer members of the board shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the affected producers in the respective districts. Each affected producer within the affected area shall be entitled to one vote. Elected handler members of the board shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the affected handlers within the affected area, but if the marketing order or agreement provides for districts such handler members of the board shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the affected handlers in the respective districts. Each affected handler within the affected area shall be entitled to one vote.

If a nominee does not receive a majority of the votes on the first ballot a run-off election shall be held by mail in a similar manner between the two candidates for such position receiving the largest number of votes.

(2) Notice of every election for board membership shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected area defined in the order or agreement not less than ten days in advance of the date of such election. Not less than ten days prior to every election for board membership, the director shall mail a ballot of the candidates to each producer and handler entitled to vote whose name appears upon the list ((~~thereof compiled and maintained by the director in accordance with RCW 15.65.200~~)) of affected parties or affected producers or handlers, whichever is applicable. Any other producer or handler entitled to vote may obtain a ballot by application to the director upon establishing his or her qualifications. Nonreceipt of a ballot by any person entitled to vote shall not invalidate the election of any board member.

Sec. 28. RCW 15.65.270 and 2001 2nd sp.s. c 6 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In the event of a vacancy in an elected position on the board, the remaining board members shall select a qualified person to fill the ((~~unexpired term. A majority of the voting members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business and the carrying out of all duties of the board.~~)) vacant position for the remainder of the current term or as provided in the marketing order or agreement.

(2) In the event of a vacancy on the board in a position appointed by the director, the remaining board members shall recommend to the director a qualified person for appointment to the vacant position. The director shall appoint the person recommended by the board unless the person fails to meet the qualifications of board members under this chapter and the marketing order or agreement.

(3) A majority of the voting members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business and the carrying out of all duties of the board.

(4) Each member of the board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.230. Members and employees of the board may be reimbursed for actual travel expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, as defined under the commodity board's marketing order or agreement. Otherwise, if not defined or referenced in the marketing order or agreement, reimbursement for travel expenses shall be at the rates allowed state employees in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

Sec. 29. RCW 15.65.280 and 2001 c 315 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

The powers and duties of the board shall be:

(1) To elect a chairman and such other officers as it deems advisable;

(2) To advise and counsel the director with respect to the administration and conduct of such marketing agreement or order;

(3) To recommend to the director administrative rules((~~, regulations~~)) and orders and amendments thereto for the exercise of his or her powers in connection with such agreement or order;

(4) To advise the director upon any and all assessments provided pursuant to the terms of such agreement or order and upon the collection, deposit, withdrawal, disbursement and paying out of all moneys;

(5) To assist the director in the collection of such necessary information and data as the director may deem necessary in the proper administration of this chapter;

(6) To administer the order or agreement as its administrative board if the director designates it so to do in such order or agreement;

(7) To work cooperatively with other local, state, and federal agencies; universities; and national organizations for the purposes provided in the board's marketing order or agreement;

(8) To enter into contracts or interagency agreements with any private or public agency, whether federal, state, or local, to carry out the purposes provided in the board's marketing order or agreement. Personal service contracts must comply with chapter 39.29 RCW;

(9) To accept and expend or retain any gifts, bequests, contributions, or grants from private persons or private and public agencies to carry out the purposes provided in the board's marketing order or agreement;

(10) To retain in emergent situations the services of private legal counsel to conduct legal actions on behalf of a board. The retention of a private attorney is subject to review by the office of the attorney general;

(11) To engage in appropriate fund-raising activities for the purpose of supporting activities of the board authorized by the marketing order or agreement;

(12) To enter into contracts or agreements for research in the production, irrigation, processing, transportation, marketing, use, or distribution of an affected commodity;

(13) To participate in international, federal, state, and local hearings, meetings, and other proceedings relating to the production, irrigation, manufacture, regulation, transportation, distribution, sale, or use of affected commodities including activities authorized under RCW 42.17.190, including the reporting of those activities to the public disclosure commission; ((~~and~~))

(14) To maintain a list of the names and addresses of affected producers that may be compiled from information used to collect assessments under the marketing order or agreement, and data on the value of each producer's production for a minimum three-year period;

(15) To maintain a list of the names and addresses of persons who handle the affected commodity within the affected area and data on the amount and value of the commodity handled for a minimum three-year period by each person; and

(16) To perform such other duties as the director may prescribe in the marketing agreement or order.

Any agreement or order under which the commodity board administers the order or agreement shall (if so requested by the affected producers within the affected area in the proposal or promulgation hearing) contain provisions whereby the director reserves the power to approve or disapprove every order, rule or directive issued by the board, in which event such approval or disapproval shall be based on whether or not the director believes the board's action has been carried out in conformance with the purposes of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 30. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Each commodity board shall prepare a list of all affected producers from any information available from the department, producers, producer associations or organizations, or handlers of the affected commodity. This list shall contain the names and addresses of all affected persons who produce the affected commodity and the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity produced during at least the past three years.

(2) Each commodity board shall prepare a list of all persons who handle the affected commodity and the amount of the commodity handled by each person during at least the past three years.

(3) It is the responsibility of all affected parties to ensure that their correct address is filed with the commodity board. It is also the responsibility of affected parties to submit production data and handling data to the commodity board as prescribed by the board's marketing order or agreement.

(4) Any qualified person may, at any time, have his or her name placed upon any list for which he or she qualifies by delivering or mailing the information to the commodity board. The lists shall be corrected and brought up-to-date in accordance with evidence and information provided to the commodity board.

(5) At the director's request, the commodity board shall provide the director a list of affected producers or handlers that is certified by the commodity board to be complete according to the commodity board's records. The list shall contain all information required by the director to conduct a referendum or board member election or selection under this chapter and the marketing order or agreement.

(6) For all purposes of giving notice, holding referenda, and electing or selecting members of a commodity board, the applicable list corrected up to the day preceding the date the list is certified by the commodity board and mailed to the director is deemed to be the list of all affected producers or affected handlers, as applicable, entitled to notice or to vote. Inadvertent failure to notify an affected producer or handler does not invalidate a proceeding conducted under this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 31. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

Agricultural commodity boards shall adopt rules governing promotional hosting expenditures by commodity board employees, agents, or board members under RCW 15.04.200.

Sec. 32. RCW 15.65.375 and 1988 c 54 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Any marketing agreement or order may authorize the members of a commodity board, or their agents or designees, to participate in federal or state hearings or other proceedings concerning regulation of the manufacture, distribution, sale, or use of any pesticide as defined by RCW 15.58.030((~~(1)~~)) (30) or any agricultural chemical which is of use or potential use in producing the affected commodity. Any marketing agreement or order may authorize the expenditure of commodity board funds for this purpose.

Sec. 33. RCW 15.65.380 and 1961 c 256 s 38 are each amended to read as follows:

Any marketing agreement or order may contain any other, further, and different provisions which are incidental to and not inconsistent with this chapter and which the director finds to be needed and reasonably adapted to effectuate the declared policies of this chapter. ((~~Such~~)) The provisions shall set forth the detailed application of this chapter to the affected agricultural commodity. ((The director or his designee shall have the power to make rules and regulations of a technical or administrative nature under this chapter and/or under any agreement or order issued pursuant to this chapter.))

Sec. 34. RCW 15.65.430 and 1961 c 256 s 43 are each amended to read as follows:

Any moneys collected or received by the director or his or her designee pursuant to the provisions of any marketing agreement or order during or with respect to any season or year may be refunded on a pro rata basis at the close of such season or year or at the close of such longer period as the director determines to be reasonably adapted to effectuate the declared policies of this chapter and the purposes of such marketing agreement or order, to all persons from whom such moneys were collected or received, or may be carried over into and used with respect to the next succeeding season, year or period whenever the director or ((~~his~~)) a designee finds that the same will tend to effectuate such policies and purposes. ((Upon the termination of any marketing agreement or order, any and all moneys remaining, and not required to defray the expenses or repay the obligations incurred and undertaken pursuant to such agreement or order, shall be returned by the director upon a pro rata basis to all persons from whom such moneys were collected or received. However, if the director finds that the amounts so returnable are so small as to make impractical the computation and remitting of such pro rata refund to such persons, the director may use such moneys to defray expenses incurred by him in the formulation, issuance, administration or enforcement of any subsequent marketing agreement or order for such commodity. Thereafter, if there are any such moneys remaining which have not been used by the director as hereinabove provided, the same shall be withdrawn from the approved depository and paid into the state treasury as unclaimed trust moneys.))

Sec. 35. RCW 15.65.450 and 1961 c 256 s 45 are each amended to read as follows:

Prior to the issuance of any marketing agreement or order, the director may require the applicants therefor to deposit with him or her such amount of money as the director may deem necessary to defray the expenses of preparing and making effective such agreement or order. ((The director or his designee may reimburse the applicant from any moneys received by him under such agreement or order for any moneys so deposited by such applicant and/or for any necessary expenses incurred by such applicant in preparing and obtaining approval of such marketing agreement or order upon receipt of a verified statement of such expense approved by the director or his designee.))

(1) A commodity board shall reimburse the department for expenses incurred by the department when a commodity board petitions the director to amend or terminate a marketing order or agreement and for other services provided by the department under this chapter. The department shall provide to a commodity board an estimate of expenses that may be incurred to amend or terminate a marketing order or agreement prior to any services taking place.

(2) Petitioners who are not a majority of a commodity board, and who file a petition with the director to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order or agreement, shall deposit funds with the director to pay for expenses incurred by the department, under rules adopted by the director.

(3) A commodity board shall reimburse petitioners the amount paid to the department under the following circumstances:

(a) If the petition is to issue a marketing order or agreement, the commodity board shall reimburse the petitioners the amount expended by the department when funds become available after establishment of the commodity board; or

(b) If the petition is to amend or terminate a marketing order or agreement and the proposal is assented to by the affected parties or affected producers, the commodity board shall reimburse the petitioners within thirty days of the referendum.

(4) If for any reason a proceeding is discontinued, the commodity board or petitioners, whichever is applicable, shall only reimburse the department for expenses incurred by the department up until the time the proceeding is discontinued.

Sec. 36. RCW 15.65.570 and 1961 c 256 s 57 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) All proceedings ((held by the director for the promulgation of any marketing agreement or order and the amendment, modification, or dissolution thereof and all proceedings concerning the promulgation of any rules or regulations or the amendment or modification thereof and appeals therefrom)) conducted under this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW ((~~as enacted or hereafter amended~~)) unless otherwise provided for in this chapter.

(2) Rule-making proceedings conducted under this chapter are exempt from compliance with RCW 34.05.310, chapter 19.85 RCW, the regulatory fairness act, and RCW 43.135.055 when the adoption of the rules is determined by a referendum vote of the affected parties.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 37. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 15.65.030 (Declaration of purpose and police power) and 1961 c 256 s 3;

(2) RCW 15.65.080 (Hearings public--Oaths--Record--Administrative law judge, powers) and 1981 c 67 s 18 & 1961 c 256 s 8;

(3) RCW 15.65.460 (Marketing act revolving fund--Composition) and 1961 c 256 s 46; and

(4) RCW 15.65.405 (Annual assessment in excess of the fiscal growth factor under chapter 43.135 RCW--Hop commodity board--Mint commodity board) and 1995 c 109 s 1.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 38. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

(1) That the marketing of agricultural products within this state is in the public interest. It is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its agricultural commodities be properly promoted by (a) enabling producers of agricultural commodities to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, and standardizing of the commodities they produce; and (b) working towards stabilizing the agricultural industry by increasing consumption of agricultural commodities within the state, the nation, and internationally;

(a) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agricultural commodities;

(b) Increase the sale and use of Washington state's agricultural commodities in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(c) Protect the public by educating the public in reference to the quality, care, and methods used in the production of Washington state's agricultural commodities;

(d) Increase the knowledge of the health-giving qualities and dietetic value of Washington state's agricultural commodities and products; and

(e) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the planting, production, harvesting, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of agricultural commodities produced in Washington state;

(5) That the director is hereby authorized to implement, administer, and enforce this chapter through the adoption of marketing orders that establish commodity commissions; and

(6) That this chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.

Sec. 39. RCW 15.66.010 and 1993 c 80 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) "Director" means the director of agriculture of the state of Washington or any qualified person or persons designated by the director of agriculture to act for him or her concerning some matter under this chapter.

(2) "Department" means the department of agriculture of the state of Washington.

(3) "Marketing order" means an order ((~~issued~~)) adopted by rule by the director that establishes a commodity commission for an agricultural commodity pursuant to this chapter.

(4) "Agricultural commodity" means any of the following commodities or products: Llamas, alpacas, or any other animal or any distinctive type of agricultural, horticultural, viticultural, vegetable, and/or animal product, including, but not limited to, products qualifying as organic food products under chapter 15.86 RCW and private sector cultured aquatic products as defined in RCW 15.85.020 and other fish and fish products, within its natural or processed state, including beehives containing bees and honey and Christmas trees but not including timber or timber products. The director is authorized to determine what kinds, types or subtypes should be classed together as an agricultural commodity for the purposes of this chapter.

(5) "Producer" means any person engaged in the business of producing or causing to be produced for market in commercial quantities any agricultural commodity. "To produce" means to act as a producer. For the purposes of ((~~RCW 15.66.060, 15.66.090, and 15.66.120, as now or hereafter amended~~)) this chapter, "producer" shall include bailees who contract to produce or grow any agricultural product on behalf of a bailor who retains title to the seed and its resulting agricultural product or the agricultural product delivered for further production or increase.

(6) "Affected producer" means any producer ((~~of an affected commodity~~)) who is subject to a marketing order.

(7) "Affected commodity" means ((~~any agricultural commodity for which the director has established a list of producers pursuant to RCW 15.66.060~~)) the agricultural commodity that is specified in the marketing order.

(8) "Commodity commission" or "commission" means a commission formed to carry out the purposes of this chapter under a particular marketing order concerning an affected commodity.

(9) "Unit" means a unit of volume, quantity or other measure in which an agricultural commodity is commonly measured.

(10) "Unfair trade practice" means any practice which is unlawful or prohibited under the laws of the state of Washington including but not limited to Titles 15, 16 and 69 RCW and chapters 9.16, 19.77, 19.80, 19.84, and 19.83 RCW, or any practice, whether concerning interstate or intrastate commerce that is unlawful under the provisions of the act of Congress of the United States, September 26, 1914, chapter 311, section 5, 38 U.S. Statutes at Large 719 as amended, known as the "Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914", or the violation of or failure accurately to label as to grades and standards in accordance with any lawfully established grades or standards or labels.

(11) "Person" includes any individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, trust, association, partnership, society, or any other organization of individuals or any unit or agency of local, state, or federal government.

(12) "Cooperative association" means any incorporated or unincorporated association of producers which conforms to the qualifications set out in the act of Congress of the United States, Feb. 18, 1922, chapter 57, sections 1 and 2, 42 U.S. Statutes at Large 388 as amended, known as the "Capper-Volstead Act" and which is engaged in making collective sales or in marketing any agricultural commodity or product thereof or in rendering service for or advancing the interests of the producers of such commodity on a nonprofit cooperative basis.

(13) "Member of a cooperative association" or "member" means any producer of an agricultural commodity who markets his or her product through such cooperative association and who is a voting stockholder of or has a vote in the control of or is under a marketing agreement with such cooperative association with respect to such product.

(14) "Affected handler" means any handler of an affected commodity.

(15) "Affected parties" means any producer, affected producer, handler, or commodity commission member.

(16) "Assessment" means the monetary amount established in a marketing order that is to be paid by each affected producer to a commission in accordance with the schedule established in the marketing order.

(17) "Mail" or "send," for purposes of any notice relating to rule making, referenda, or elections, means regular mail or electronic distribution, as provided in RCW 34.05.260 for rule making. "Electronic distribution" or "electronically" means distribution by electronic mail or facsimile mail.

(18) "Handler" means any person who acts, either as principal, agent, or otherwise, in the processing, selling, marketing, or distributing of an agricultural commodity that is not produced by the handler. "Handler" does not include a common carrier used to transport an agricultural commodity. "To handle" means to act as a handler.

(19) "List of affected parties" means a list containing the names and mailing addresses of affected parties. This list must contain the names and addresses of all affected parties and, if requested by the director, the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity produced during a designated period under this chapter.

(20) "List of affected producers" means a list containing the names and mailing addresses of affected producers. This list must contain the names and addresses of all affected producers and, if requested by the director, the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity produced during a designated period under this chapter.

(21) "List of affected handlers" means a list containing the names and addresses of affected handlers. This list must contain the names and addresses of all affected handlers and, if requested by the director, the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity handled during a designated period under this chapter.

(22) "Percent by numbers" means the percent of those persons on the list of affected parties or affected producers.

(23) "Referendum" means a vote by the affected parties or affected producers which is conducted by secret ballot.

(24) "Rule-making proceedings" means rule making under chapter 34.05 RCW.

(25) "Vacancy" means that a commission member leaves or is removed from a position on the commission prior to the end of a term, or a nomination process for the beginning of a term concludes with no candidates for a position.

(26) "Volume of production" means the percent of the average volume of production of the affected commodity of those on the list of affected parties or affected producers for a production period. For the purposes of this chapter, a production period is a minimum three-year period or as specified in the marketing order.

Sec. 40. RCW 15.66.030 and 2001 c 315 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Marketing orders may be made for any one or more of the following purposes:

(1) To establish plans and conduct programs for advertising and sales promotion, to maintain present markets, or to create new or larger markets for any agricultural commodity grown in the state of Washington;

(2) To provide for carrying on research studies to find more efficient methods of production, irrigation, processing, transportation, handling, and marketing of any agricultural commodity;

(3) To provide for improving standards and grades by defining, establishing, and providing labeling requirements with respect to the same;

(4) To investigate and take necessary action to prevent unfair trade practices;

(5) To provide information or communicate on matters pertaining to the production, irrigation, processing, transportation, marketing, or uses of an agricultural commodity produced in Washington state to any elected official or officer or employee of any agency;

(6) To provide marketing information and services for producers of an agricultural commodity;

(7) To provide information and services for meeting resource conservation objectives of producers of an agricultural commodity;

(8) To engage in cooperative efforts in the domestic or foreign marketing of food products of an agricultural commodity; and

(9) To provide for commodity-related education and training.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 41. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

This chapter and the rules adopted under it are only one aspect of the comprehensively regulated agricultural industry.

(1) Other laws applicable to agricultural commodities include the following chapters and the rules adopted thereunder:

Chapter 15.08 RCW Horticultural pests and diseases;

Chapter 15.13 RCW Horticultural plants and facilities‑-Inspection and licensing;

Chapter 15.14 RCW Planting stock;

Chapter 15.15 RCW Certified seed potatoes;

Chapter 15.17 RCW Standards of grades and packs;

Chapter 15.19 RCW Certification and inspection of ginseng;

Chapter 15.30 RCW Controlled atmosphere storage of fruits and vegetables;

Chapter 15.49 RCW Seeds;

Chapter 15.53 RCW Commercial feed;

Chapter 15.54 RCW Fertilizers, minerals, and limes;

Chapter 15.58 RCW Washington pesticide control act;

Chapter 15.60 RCW Apiaries;

Chapter 15.64 RCW Farm marketing;

Chapter 15.83 RCW Agricultural marketing and fair practices;

Chapter 15.85 RCW Aquaculture marketing;

Chapter 15.86 RCW Organic food products;

Chapter 15.92 RCW Center for sustaining agriculture and natural resources;

Chapter 17.24 RCW Insect pests and plant diseases;

Chapter 19.94 RCW Weights and measures;

Chapter 20.01 RCW Agricultural products‑-Commission merchants, dealers, brokers, buyers, agents;

Chapter 22.09 RCW Agricultural commodities;

Chapter 69.07 RCW Washington food processing act;

Chapter 69.25 RCW Washington wholesome eggs and egg products act;

Chapter 69.28 RCW Honey;

7 U.S.C., section 136, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

(2) In addition to the laws and regulations listed in subsection (1) of this section that apply to the agricultural industry as a whole, the potato industry is regulated by or must comply with the following additional laws and the rules or regulations adopted thereunder:

(a) 7 C.F.R., Part 51, United States standards for grades of potatoes;

(b) 7 C.F.R., Part 946, Federal marketing order for Irish potatoes grown in Washington;

(3) In addition to the laws and regulations listed in subsection (1) of this section that apply to the agricultural industry as a whole, the wheat and barley industries are regulated by or must comply with the following additional laws and the rules adopted thereunder:

(a) 7 U.S.C., section 1621, Agricultural Marketing Act;

(b) Chapter 70.94 RCW, Washington clean air act, agricultural burning.

(4) In addition to the laws and regulations listed in subsection (1) of this section that apply to the agricultural industry as a whole, the poultry industry is regulated by or must comply with the following additional laws and the rules adopted thereunder:

(a) 21 U.S.C., chapter 10, Poultry and poultry products inspection;

(b) 21 U.S.C., chapter 9, Packers and stockyards;

(d) Washington fryer commission labeling standards.

Sec. 42. RCW 15.66.050 and 1961 c 11 s 15.66.050 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Petitions for issuance, amendment or termination of a marketing order shall be signed by not less than five percent or one hundred of the producers alleged to be affected, whichever is less, and shall be filed with the director. ((Such petition shall be accompanied by a filing fee of one hundred dollars payable to the state treasurer; and shall designate some person as attorney-in-fact for the purpose of this section. Upon receipt of such a petition, the director shall prepare a budget estimate for handling such petition which shall include the cost of the preparation of the estimate, the cost of the hearings and the cost of the proposed referendum. The petitioners, within thirty days after receipt of the budget estimate by their attorney-in-fact shall remit to the director the difference between the filing fee of one hundred dollars already paid and the total budget estimate. If the petitioners fail to remit the difference, or if for any other reason the proceedings for the issuance, amendment or termination of the marketing order are discontinued, the filing fee, including any additional amount paid in accordance with such budget estimates shall not be refunded. If the petition results, after proper proceedings, in the issuance, amendment, or termination of a marketing order, said petitioners shall be reimbursed for the amount paid for said total filing fee out of funds of the commodity commission as they become available.)) A petition for amendment or termination of a marketing order may be submitted to the director by majority vote of a commission.

(2) A commission shall reimburse the department for expenses incurred by the department when a commodity commission petitions the director to amend or terminate a marketing order and for other services provided by the department under this chapter. The department shall provide to a commodity commission an estimate of expenses that may be incurred to amend or terminate a marketing order prior to any services taking place.

(3) Petitioners who are not a majority of a commission, and who file a petition with the director to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order, shall deposit funds with the director to pay for expenses incurred by the department, under rules adopted by the director.

(4) A commission shall reimburse petitioners the amount paid to the department under the following circumstances:

(a) If the petition is to issue a marketing order, the commission shall reimburse the petitioners the amount expended by the department when funds become available after establishment of the commission; or

(b) If the petition is to amend or terminate a marketing order, the commission shall reimburse the petitioners within thirty days of the referendum if the proposal is assented to by the affected producers.

(5) If for any reason a proceeding is discontinued, the commission or petitioners, whichever is applicable, shall reimburse the department only for expenses incurred by the department up until the time the proceeding is discontinued.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 43. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

(1) All rule-making proceedings conducted under this chapter shall be in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW.

(2) Rule-making proceedings conducted under this chapter are exempt from compliance with RCW 34.05.310, chapter 19.85 RCW, the regulatory fairness act, and RCW 43.135.055 when adoption of the rule is determined by a referendum vote of the affected parties.

(3) The director may adopt amendments to marketing orders without conducting a referendum if the amendments are adopted under the following criteria:

(a) The proposed amendments relate only to internal administration of a marketing order and are not subject to violation by a person;

(c) The proposed amendments only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing the marketing order;

(d) The content of the proposed amendments is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.

A marketing order shall not be amended without a referendum to provide that a majority of the commodity commission members be appointed by the director.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 44. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

The director may adopt rules necessary to carry out the director's duties and responsibilities under this chapter including:

(1) The issuance, amendment, suspension, or termination of marketing orders;

(2) Procedural, technical, or administrative rules which may address and include, but are not limited to:

(a) The submission of a petition to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order under this chapter;

(b) Nominations conducted under this chapter;

(d) Actions of the director upon a petition to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order;

(3) Rules that provide for a method to fund:

(a) The costs of staff support for all commodity boards and commissions in accordance with section 78 of this act if the position is not directly funded by the legislature; and

(b) The actual costs related to the specific activity undertaken on behalf of an individual commodity board or commission.

Sec. 45. RCW 15.66.060 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Upon receipt of a petition for the issuance((~~, amendment, or termination~~)) of a marketing order, the director shall establish a list of ((~~producers~~)) affected parties of the agricultural commodity affected ((~~or make any such existing list current~~)). In establishing ((~~or making current such~~)) a list of ((~~producers~~)) affected parties and their individual production, the director shall publish a notice to producers of the commodity to be affected requiring them to file with the director a report showing the producer's name, mailing address, and the yearly average quantity of the affected commodity produced by him or her in the three years preceding the date of the notice or in such lesser time as the producer has produced the commodity in question. ((~~Such~~)) Information as to production may also be accepted from other valid sources if readily available. ((The notice shall be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in such newspaper or newspapers, including a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within the affected areas, as the director may prescribe, and shall be mailed to all affected producers on record with the director. All reports shall be filed with the director within twenty days from the last date of publication of the notice or within thirty days after the mailing of the notice to affected producers, whichever is the later. The director shall keep such lists at all times as current as possible and may require information from affected producers at various times in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the director: PROVIDED, That any commission established under the provisions of this chapter may at its discretion prior to any election for any purpose by such commission carry out the above stated mandate to the director for establishing a list of producers and their individual production, and supply the director with a current list of all producers subject to the provisions of the marketing order under which it was formed.

Such producer list shall be final and conclusive in making determinations relative to the assent by producers upon the issuance, amendment or termination of a marketing order and in elections under the provisions of this chapter.

The director shall then notify affected producers, so listed, by mail that the public hearing affording opportunity for them to be heard upon the proposed issuance, amendment, or termination of the marketing order will be heard at the time and place stated in the notice. Such notice of the hearing shall be given not less than ten days nor more than sixty days prior to the hearing.)) Notice of a proposed marketing order issuance shall be as provided for in RCW 15.66.070.

(2) The director shall use the list of affected parties for the purpose of notice, referendum proceedings, and electing or selecting members of the commission in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.

(4) The list of affected parties shall be kept in the rule-making file by the director. The list shall be certified as a true representation of the referendum mailing list. Inadvertent failure to notify an affected party does not invalidate a proceeding conducted under this chapter.

(5) The list of affected parties that is certified as the true representation of the mailing list of a referendum shall be used to determine assent as provided in this chapter.

(6) The director shall provide the commodity commission the list of affected and interested parties once a marketing order is adopted and a commodity commission is established as provided in this chapter.

Sec. 46. RCW 15.66.070 and 1961 c 11 s 15.66.070 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Notice of a public hearing to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order shall be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper or newspapers, including a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within the affected areas, as the director may prescribe, and shall be mailed to all affected parties or affected producers. The director shall mail notice to all affected parties or affected producers, as applicable, who may be directly affected by the proposal and whose names and addresses appear on the list compiled under this chapter.

(2) At ((~~the~~)) a public hearing the director shall receive ((~~evidence and~~)) testimony offered in support of, or opposition to, the proposed issuance of, amendment to, or termination of a marketing order and concerning the terms, conditions, scope, and area thereof. Such hearing shall be public and all testimony shall be received under oath. A full and complete record of all proceedings at such hearings shall be made and maintained on file in the office of the director, which file shall be open to public inspection. The director shall base ((~~his~~)) any findings upon the testimony ((~~and evidence~~)) received at the hearing, together with any other relevant facts available ((~~to him~~)) from official publications of institutions of recognized standing. The director shall describe in ((~~his~~)) the findings such official publications upon which any finding is based.

((~~For such hearings and for any other hearings under this chapter,~~)) (3) The director shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and to issue subpoenas for the production of any books, records, or documents of any kind.

(4) The superior court of the county in which any hearing or proceeding may be had may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of records, papers, books, accounts, documents and testimony as required by such subpoena. The director, in case of the refusal of any witness to attest or testify or produce any papers required by the subpoena, shall report to the superior court of the county in which the proceeding is pending by petition setting forth that due notice has been given of the time and place of attendance of ((~~said~~)) the witness or the production of ((~~said~~)) the papers and that the witness has been summoned in the manner prescribed in this chapter and that he or she has failed to attend or produce the papers required by the subpoena at the hearing, cause or proceeding specified in the subpoena, or has refused to answer questions propounded to him or her in the course of such hearing, cause, or proceeding, and shall ask an order of the court to compel a witness to appear and testify before the director. The court upon such petition shall enter an order directing the witness to appear before the court at a time and place to be fixed in such order and then and there to show cause why he or she has not responded to the subpoena. A copy of the order shall be served upon the witness. If it appears to the court that the subpoena was regularly issued, it shall enter an order that the witness appear at the time and place fixed in the order and testify or produce the required papers, and on failing to obey ((~~said~~)) the order the witness shall be dealt with as for contempt of court.

Sec. 47. RCW 15.66.090 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

After the issuance by the director of the final decision approving the issuance, amendment, or termination of a marketing order, the director shall determine by a referendum whether the affected parties or producers assent to the proposed action or not. The director shall conduct the referendum among the affected parties or producers based on the list as provided for in RCW 15.66.060, and the affected parties or producers shall be deemed to have assented to the proposed issuance or termination order if fifty-one percent or more by number reply to the referendum within the time specified by the director, and if, of those replying, sixty-five percent or more by number and fifty-one percent or more by volume assent to the proposed order. The producers shall be deemed to have assented to the proposed amendment order if sixty percent or more by number and sixty percent or more by volume of those replying assent to the proposed order. The determination by volume shall be made on the basis of volume as determined in the list of affected producers created under provisions of RCW 15.66.060, subject to rules and regulations of the director for such determination. The director shall consider the approval or disapproval of any cooperative marketing association authorized by its producer members to act for them in any such referendum, as being the approval or disapproval of the producers who are members of or stockholders in or under contract with such association of cooperative producers: PROVIDED, That the association shall first determine that a majority of the membership of the association authorize its action concerning the specific marketing order. If the requisite assent is given, the director shall promulgate the order and shall mail notices of the same to all affected producers.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 48. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

The director may, upon the request of a commodity commission and without compliance with RCW 15.66.070 through 15.66.090, suspend the commission's order or term or provision thereof for a period of not to exceed one year, if the director finds that the suspension will tend to effectuate the declared policy of this chapter. Any suspension of all, or substantially all, of a marketing order by the director is not effective until the end of the then current marketing season.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 49. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

The director is not required to hold a public hearing or a referendum more than once in any twelve-month period on petitions to issue, amend, or terminate a marketing order if any of the following circumstances are present:

(1) The petition proposes to establish a marketing order for the same commodity;

(2) The petition proposes the same or a similar amendment to a marketing order; or

(3) The petition proposes to terminate the same marketing order.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 50. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Pursuant to RCW 42.17.31907, certain agricultural business records, commodity commission records, and department of agriculture records relating to commodity commissions and producers of agricultural commodities are exempt from public disclosure.

(2) Financial and commercial information and records submitted to either the department or a commodity commission for the purpose of administering this act or a marketing order may be shared between the department and the applicable commodity commission. They may also be used, if required, in any suit or administrative hearing involving any provision of this chapter or a marketing order.

(3) This chapter does not prohibit:

(a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of a number of persons subject to any marketing order as long as the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or

(b) The publication by the director or a commodity commission of the name of any person violating any marketing order and a statement of the manner of the violation by that person.

Sec. 51. RCW 15.66.110 and 2001 c 315 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Every marketing order shall establish a commodity commission composed of not less than five nor more than thirteen members. In addition, the director shall be an ex officio member of each commodity commission unless otherwise specified in the marketing order. Commission members shall be citizens and residents of this state if required by the marketing order, and over the age of eighteen. Not more than one commission member may be part of the same "person" as defined by this chapter. The term of office of commission members shall be three years with the terms rotating so than one-third of the terms will commence as nearly as practicable each year. However, the first commission shall be selected, one-third for a term of one year, one-third for a term of two years, and one-third for a term of three years, as nearly as practicable. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, no less than two-thirds of the commission members shall be elected by the affected producers and such elected members shall all be affected producers. The remaining members shall be appointed by the commission and shall be either affected producers, others active in matters relating to the affected commodity, or persons not so related.

(2) A marketing order may provide that a majority of the commission be appointed by the director, but in any event, no less than one-third of the commission members shall be elected by the affected producers.

(3) In the event that the marketing order provides that a majority of the commission be appointed by the director, the marketing order shall incorporate either the provisions of section 52 or 53 of this act for member selection.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 52. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

(1) This section or section 53 of this act applies when the director appoints a majority of the positions of the commission as set forth under RCW 15.66.110(3).

(2) Candidates for director-appointed positions on a commission shall be nominated under RCW 15.66.120(1).

(3) Not less than sixty days nor more than seventy-five days prior to the commencement of a commission member's term, the director shall cause an advisory vote to be held for the director-appointed positions. Advisory ballots shall be mailed to all affected producers and shall be returned to the director not less than thirty days prior to the commencement of the term. The advisory ballot shall be conducted in a manner so that it is a secret ballot. The names of the two candidates receiving the most votes in the advisory vote shall be forwarded to the director for potential appointment to the commission. In the event there are only two candidates nominated for a position, an advisory vote may not be held and the candidates' names shall be forwarded to the director for potential appointment.

(4) The candidates whose names are forwarded to the director for potential appointment shall submit to the director a letter stating why he or she wishes to be appointed to the commission. The director may select either person for the position.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 53. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

(1) This section or section 52 of this act applies when the director appoints a majority of the positions on a commission as set forth under RCW 15.66.110(3).

(2) Candidates for director-appointed positions on a commission shall be nominated under RCW 15.66.120(1).

(3) Not less than sixty days nor more than seventy-five days prior to the commencement of a commission member's term, the director shall cause an advisory vote to be held for the director-appointed positions. Advisory ballots shall be mailed to all affected producers and shall be returned to the director not less than thirty days prior to the commencement of the term. The advisory ballot shall be conducted in a manner so that it is a secret ballot. The name of the candidate receiving the most votes in the advisory vote shall be forwarded to the director for appointment to the commission.

(4) The director shall appoint the candidate receiving the most votes in an advisory ballot unless the candidate fails to meet the qualifications of commission members under this chapter and the marketing order. In the event the director rejects the candidate receiving the most votes, the position is vacant and shall be filled under RCW 15.66.120(8).

Sec. 54. RCW 15.66.120 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Not less than ninety days nor more than one hundred and five days prior to the beginning of each term of each elected commission member, ((~~the director shall give~~)) notice ((~~by mail~~)) shall be mailed to all affected producers ((~~of the vacancy and~~)) with a call for nominations in accordance with this section and ((~~with the~~)) provisions of the marketing order ((~~and shall give~~)). The notice ((of)) shall give the final date for filing nominations, which shall not be less than eighty days nor more than eighty-five days before the beginning of such term. ((~~Such~~)) The notice shall also advise that nominating petitions shall be signed by five persons qualified to vote for such candidates or, if the number of nominating signers is provided for in the marketing order, ((~~such~~)) then the number ((~~as such~~)) provided in the marketing order ((~~provides~~)).

(2) Not less than sixty days nor more than seventy-five days prior to the commencement of ((~~such~~)) a commission member term, the director shall ((~~submit by~~)) mail ballots to all affected producers((~~, which~~)). Ballots shall be required to be returned to the director not less than thirty days prior to the commencement of ((~~such~~)) the term. ((~~Such~~)) The mail ballot shall be conducted in a manner so that it shall be a secret ballot. With respect to the first commission for a particular commodity, the director may call for nominations for commission members in the notice of ((~~his~~)) the director's decision following the hearing and the ballot may be submitted at the time the director's proposed order is submitted to the affected producers for their assent.

((~~Said elected~~)) (3) Commission members may be elected or appointed from various districts within the area covered by the marketing order if the order so provides, with the number of members from each district to be in accordance with the provisions of the marketing order.

(4) The members of the commission not elected by the affected producers shall be elected by a majority of the commission at a meeting of the commission within ninety days prior to expiration of the term ((~~but to fill nonelective vacancies caused by other reasons than the expiration of a term, the new member shall be elected by the commission at its first meeting after the occurrence of the vacancy~~)), or appointed by the director under this chapter and the marketing order.

(5) When only one nominee is nominated for any position on the commission, the director shall ((~~deem that said nominee satisfies the requirements of the position and then it shall be deemed that said nominee has been duly~~)) determine whether the nominee meets the qualifications of the position and, if so, the director shall declare the nominee elected or appoint the nominee to the position.

(6) In the event of a vacancy in an elected commission member position on a commodity commission, the remaining members shall select a qualified person to fill the vacant position for the remainder of the current term or as provided in the marketing order.

(7) In the event of a vacancy in an appointed member position on a commodity commission, the appointment of members shall be as specified in the marketing order.

(8) In the event of a vacancy in a director-appointed member position on a commodity commission, the remaining members shall recommend to the director a qualified person for appointment to the vacant position. The director shall appoint the person recommended by the commission unless the person fails to meet the qualifications of commission members under this chapter and the marketing order.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 55. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon completion of any vote, referendum, or nomination and elections, the department shall tally the results of the vote and provide the results to affected parties.

(3) Once the vote is tallied and distributed, all disputes are resolved, and all matters in a vote are finalized, the individual ballots may be destroyed.

Sec. 56. RCW 15.66.130 and 2001 2nd sp.s. c 6 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Each commodity commission shall hold such regular meetings as the marketing order may prescribe or that the commission by resolution may prescribe, together with such special meetings that may be called in accordance with provisions of its resolutions upon reasonable notice to all members thereof. A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business of the commission. ((~~In the event of a vacancy in an elected or appointed position on the commission, the remaining elected members of the commission shall select a qualified person to fill the unexpired term.~~))

Each member of the commission shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.230. Members and employees of the commission may be reimbursed for actual travel expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, as defined under the commodity ((~~board's~~)) commission's marketing order. Otherwise, if not defined or referenced in the marketing order, reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

Sec. 57. RCW 15.66.140 and 2001 c 315 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

Every ((~~marketing~~)) commodity commission shall have such powers and duties in accordance with provisions of this chapter as may be provided in the marketing order and shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To elect a ((~~chairman~~)) chair and such other officers as determined advisable;

(2) To adopt, rescind and amend rules and regulations reasonably necessary for the administration and operation of the commission and the enforcement of its duties under the marketing order;

(3) To administer, enforce, direct and control the provisions of the marketing order and of this chapter relating thereto;

(4) To employ and discharge at its discretion such administrators and additional personnel, attorneys, advertising and research agencies and other persons and firms that it may deem appropriate and pay compensation to the same;

(5) To acquire personal property and purchase or lease office space and other necessary real property and transfer and convey the same;

(6) To institute and maintain in its own name any and all legal actions, including actions by injunction, mandatory injunction or civil recovery, or proceedings before administrative tribunals or other governmental authorities necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and of the marketing order;

(7) To keep accurate records of all its receipts and disbursements, which records shall be open to inspection and audit by the state auditor or private auditor designated by the state auditor at least every five years;

(8) Borrow money and incur indebtedness;

(9) Make necessary disbursements for routine operating expenses;

(10) To expend funds for commodity-related education, training, and leadership programs as each commission deems expedient;

(11) To work cooperatively with other local, state, and federal agencies; universities; and national organizations for the purposes provided in the commission's marketing order;

(12) To enter into contracts or interagency agreements with any private or public agency, whether federal, state, or local, to carry out the purposes provided in the commission's marketing order. Personal service contracts must comply with chapter 39.29 RCW;

(13) To accept and expend or retain any gifts, bequests, contributions, or grants from private persons or private and public agencies to carry out the purposes provided in the commission's marketing order;

(14) To enter into contracts or agreements for research in the production, irrigation, processing, transportation, marketing, use, or distribution of an affected commodity;

(15) To retain in emergent situations the services of private legal counsel to conduct legal actions on behalf of a commission. The retention of a private attorney is subject to review by the office of the attorney general;

(16) To engage in appropriate fund-raising activities for the purpose of supporting activities of the commission authorized by the marketing order;

(17) To participate in international, federal, state, and local hearings, meetings, and other proceedings relating to the production, irrigation, manufacture, regulation, transportation, distribution, sale, or use of affected commodities including activities authorized under RCW 42.17.190, including the reporting of those activities to the public disclosure commission; ((~~and~~))

(18) To maintain a list of the names and addresses of affected producers that may be compiled from information used to collect assessments under the provisions of the marketing order and data on the value of each producer's production for a minimum three-year period;

(19) To maintain a list of the names and addresses of persons who handle the affected commodity within the affected area and data on the amount and value of the commodity handled for a minimum three-year period by each person; and

(20) Such other powers and duties that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 58. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Each commodity commission shall prepare a list of all affected producers from any information available from the department, producers, producer associations, organizations, or handlers of the affected commodity. This list shall contain the names and addresses of all affected persons who produce the affected commodity and the amount, by unit, of the affected commodity produced during at least the past three years.

(2) Each commodity commission shall prepare a list of all persons who handle the affected commodity and the amount of the commodity handled by each person during at least the past three years.

(3) It is the responsibility of all affected parties to ensure that their correct address is filed with the commodity commission. It is also the responsibility of affected parties to submit production data and handling data to the commission as prescribed by the commission's marketing order.

(4) Any qualified person may, at any time, have his or her name placed upon any list for which he or she qualifies by delivering or mailing the information to the commission. The lists shall be corrected and brought up-to-date in accordance with evidence and information provided to the commission.

(5) At the director's request, the commodity commission shall provide the director a certified list of affected producers or affected handlers from the commodity commission records. The list shall contain all information required by the director to conduct a referendum or commission member elections under this chapter.

(6) For all purposes of giving notice and holding referenda on amendment or termination proposals, and for giving notice and electing or selecting members of a commission, the applicable list corrected up to the day preceding the date the list is certified by the commission and mailed to the director is deemed to be the list of all affected producers or affected handlers, as applicable, entitled to notice or to vote. Inadvertent failure to notify an affected producer or handler does not invalidate a proceeding conducted under this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 59. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

Agricultural commodity commissions shall adopt rules governing promotional hosting expenditures by commodity commission employees, agents, or commission members under RCW 15.04.200.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 60. A new section is added to chapter 15.66 RCW to read as follows:

If after complying with the procedures outlined in this chapter and a referendum proposal to terminate a commodity commission is assented to, the affected commodity commission shall:

(1) Document the details of all measures undertaken to terminate the commodity commission and identify and document all closing costs;

(2) Contact the office of the state auditor and arrange for a final audit of the commission. Payment for the audit shall be from commission funds and identified in the budget for closing costs;

(3) Provide for the reimbursement to affected producers of moneys collected by assessment. Reimbursement shall be made to those considered affected producers over the previous three-year time frame on a pro rata basis and at a percent commensurate with their volume of production over the previous three-year period unless a different time period is specified in the marketing order. If the commodity commission finds that the amounts of moneys are so small as to make impractical the computation and remitting of the pro rata refund, the moneys shall be paid into the state treasury as unclaimed trust moneys; and

(4) Transfer all remaining files to the department for storage and archiving, as appropriate.

Sec. 61. RCW 15.66.180 and 1961 c 11 s 15.66.180 are each amended to read as follows:

All moneys which are collected or otherwise received pursuant to each marketing order created under this chapter shall be used solely by and for the commodity commission concerned and shall not be used for any other commission, nor the department except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Such moneys shall be deposited in a separate account or accounts in the name of the individual commission in any bank which is a state depositary. All expenses and disbursements incurred and made pursuant to the provisions of any marketing order shall be paid from moneys collected and received pursuant to such order without the necessity of a specific legislative appropriation and all moneys deposited for the account of any order shall be paid from said account by check or voucher in such form and in such manner and upon the signature of such person as may be prescribed by the commission. None of the provisions of RCW 43.01.050 shall be applicable to any such account or any moneys so received, collected or expended.

Sec. 62. RCW 15.66.185 and 1967 ex.s. c 54 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Any funds of any agricultural commodity commission may be invested in savings or time deposits in banks, trust companies, and mutual savings banks ((~~which~~)) that are doing business in ((~~this state~~)) the United States, up to the amount of insurance afforded such accounts by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This section shall apply to all funds which may be lawfully so invested, which in the judgment of any agricultural commodity commission are not required for immediate expenditure. The authority granted by this section is not exclusive and shall be construed to be cumulative and in addition to other authority provided by law for the investment of such funds.

Sec. 63. RCW 15.66.245 and 1988 c 54 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Any marketing agreement or order may authorize the members of a commodity commission, or their agents or designees, to participate in federal or state hearings or other proceedings concerning regulation of the manufacture, distribution, sale, or use of any pesticide as defined by RCW 15.58.030((~~(1)~~)) (30) or any agricultural chemical which is of use or potential use in producing the affected commodity. Any marketing agreement or order may authorize the expenditure of commodity commission funds for this purpose.

Sec. 64. RCW 15.66.260 and 1969 c 66 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~All general administrative expenses of the director in carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be borne by the state: PROVIDED, That~~)) The department shall be reimbursed for actual costs incurred in conducting nominations and elections for members of any commodity ((~~board~~)) commission established under the provisions of this chapter. Such reimbursement shall be made from the funds of the commission for which the nominations and elections were conducted by the director.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 65. RCW 15.66.020 (Declaration of purpose) and 1961 c 11 s 15.66.020 are each repealed.

Sec. 66. RCW 42.17.31907 and 2001 c 314 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

The following agricultural business records and commodity board and commission records are exempt from the disclosure requirements of this chapter:

(1) Production or sales records required to determine assessment levels and actual assessment payments to commodity boards and commissions formed under chapters 15.24, 15.26, 15.28, 15.44, 15.65, 15.66, 15.74, 15.88, 15.100, and 16.67 RCW or required by the department of agriculture ((~~under RCW 15.13.310(4) or 15.49.370(6)~~)) to administer these chapters or the department's programs;

(2) Consignment information contained on phytosanitary certificates issued by the department of agriculture under chapters 15.13, 15.49, and 15.17 RCW or federal phytosanitary certificates issued under 7 C.F.R. 353 through cooperative agreements with the animal and plant health inspection service, United States department of agriculture, or on applications for phytosanitary certification required by the department of agriculture; and

(3) Financial and commercial information and records supplied by persons ((to)) (a) to the department of agriculture for the purpose of conducting a referendum for the potential establishment of a commodity board or commission; (b) to the department of agriculture or commodity boards or commissions formed under chapter((s)) 15.24, 15.28, 15.44, 15.65, 15.66, 15.74, 15.88, 15.100, ((~~and~~)) or 16.67 RCW with respect to domestic or export marketing activities or individual producer's production information.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 67. A new section is added to chapter 15.26 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Under RCW 42.17.31907, certain agricultural business records, commission records, and department of agriculture records relating to the commission and producers of agricultural commodities are exempt from public disclosure.

(2) Financial and commercial information and records submitted to either the department or the commission for the purpose of administering this chapter may be shared between the department and the commission. They may also be used, if required, in any suit or administrative hearing involving any provision of this chapter or a marketing order.

(3) This chapter does not prohibit:

(a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of persons subject to this chapter as long as the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or

(b) The publication by the director or the commission of the name of any person violating this chapter and a statement of the manner of the violation by that person.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 68. A new section is added to chapter 15.28 RCW to read as follows:

(3) This chapter does not prohibit:

(a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of persons subject to this chapter as long as the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or

(b) The publication by the director or the commission of the name of any person violating this chapter and a statement of the manner of the violation by that person.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 69. A new section is added to chapter 15.44 RCW to read as follows:

(3) This chapter does not prohibit:

(a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of persons subject to this chapter as long as the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or

(b) The publication by the director or the commission of the name of any person violating this chapter and a statement of the manner of the violation by that person.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 70. A new section is added to chapter 15.88 RCW to read as follows:

(3) This chapter does not prohibit:

(a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of persons subject to this chapter as long as the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or

(b) The publication by the director or the commission of the name of any person violating this chapter and a statement of the manner of the violation by that person.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 71. A new section is added to chapter 16.67 RCW to read as follows:

(3) This chapter does not prohibit:

(a) The issuance of general statements based upon the reports of persons subject to this chapter as long as the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or

(b) The publication by the director or the commission of the name of any person violating this chapter and a statement of the manner of the violation by that person.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 72. A new section is added to chapter 15.24 RCW to read as follows:

The director may provide by rule for a method to fund staff support for all commodity boards and commissions in accordance with section 78 of this act if a position is not directly funded by the legislature and costs related to the specific activity undertaken on behalf of an individual commodity board or commission. The commission shall provide funds to the department according to the rules adopted by the director.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 73. A new section is added to chapter 15.26 RCW to read as follows:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 74. A new section is added to chapter 15.28 RCW to read as follows:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 75. A new section is added to chapter 15.44 RCW to read as follows:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 76. A new section is added to chapter 15.88 RCW to read as follows:

The director may provide by rule for a method to fund staff support for all commodity boards or commissions in accordance with section 78 of this act if a position is not directly funded by the legislature and costs related to the specific activity undertaken on behalf of an individual commodity board or commission. The commission shall provide funds to the department according to the rules adopted by the director.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 77. A new section is added to chapter 16.67 RCW to read as follows:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 78. A new section is added to chapter 43.23 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The director may provide by rule for a method to fund staff support for all commodity boards and commissions if a position is not directly funded by the legislature.

(2) Staff support funded under this section and sections 7(1)(c), 44(3), and 72 through 77 of this act shall be limited to one-half full-time equivalent employee for all commodity boards and commissions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 79. A new section is added to chapter 16.67 RCW to read as follows:

The history, economy, culture, and the future of Washington state's agriculture involves the beef industry. In order to develop and promote beef and beef products as part of an existing comprehensive scheme to regulate those products the legislature declares:

(1) That the Washington state beef commission is created;

(2) That it is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its beef and beef products be properly promoted by (a) enabling the beef industry to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, and standardizing of beef and beef products they produce; and (b) working to stabilize the beef industry by increasing consumption of beef and beef products within the state, the nation, and internationally;

(3) That beef producers operate within a regulatory environment that imposes burdens on them for the benefit of society and the citizens of the state and includes restrictions on marketing autonomy. Those restrictions may impair the beef producer's ability to compete in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(4) That it is in the overriding public interest that support for the beef industry be clearly expressed, that adequate protection be given to agricultural commodities, uses, activities, and operations, and that beef and beef products be promoted individually, and as part of a comprehensive industry to:

(a) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agriculture industry;

(b) Increase the sale and use of beef products in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(c) Protect the public by educating the public in reference to the quality, care, and methods used in the production of beef and beef products, and in reference to the various cuts and grades of beef and the uses to which each should be put;

(d) Increase the knowledge of the health-giving qualities and dietetic value of beef products; and

(e) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the production, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of beef and beef products;

(5) That this chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state; and

(6) That the beef industry is a highly regulated industry and that this chapter and the rules adopted under it are only one aspect of the regulated industry. Other regulations and restraints applicable to the beef industry include the:

(a) Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, U.S.C. Title 7, Chapter 62;

(b) Beef promotion and research, 7 C.F.R., Part 1260;

(d) USDA meat grading, certification, and standards, 7 C.F.R., Part 54;

(e) Mandatory price reporting, 7 C.F.R., Part 57;

(f) Grazing permits, 43 C.F.R., Part 2920;

(g) Capper-Volstead Act, U.S.C. Title 7, Chapters 291 and 292;

(h) Livestock identification under chapter 16.57 RCW and rules;

(i) Organic food products act under chapter 15.86 RCW and rules;

(j) Intrastate commerce in food, drugs, and cosmetics act under chapter 69.04 RCW and rules, including provisions of 21 C.F.R. relating to the general manufacturing practices, food labeling, food standards, food additives, and pesticide tolerances;

(k) Washington food processing act under chapter 69.07 RCW and rules;

(l) Washington food storage warehouses act under chapter 69.10 RCW and rules;

(m) Animal health under chapter 16.36 RCW and rules; and

(n) Weights and measures under chapter 19.94 RCW and rules.

Sec. 80. RCW 16.67.030 and 1999 c 291 s 30 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purpose of this chapter:

(1) "Commission" means the Washington state beef commission.

(2) "Director" means the director of agriculture of the state of Washington or ((~~his duly~~)) an appointed representative.

(3) "Ex officio members" means those advisory members of the commission who do not have a vote.

(4) "Department" means the department of agriculture of the state of Washington.

(5) "Person" includes any individual, firm, corporation, trust, association, partnership, society, or any other organization of individuals.

(6) "Beef producer" means any person who raises, breeds, grows, or purchases cattle or calves for beef production.

(7) "Dairy (beef) producer" means any person who raises, breeds, grows, or purchases cattle for dairy production and who is actively engaged in the production of fluid milk.

(8) "Feeder" means any person actively engaged in the business of feeding cattle and usually operating a feed lot.

(9) "Producer" means any person actively engaged in the cattle industry including beef producers and dairy (beef) producers.

(10) "Washington cattle" shall mean all cattle owned or controlled by affected producers and located or sold in the state of Washington.

(11) "Meat packer" means any person operating a slaughtering establishment subject to inspection under a federal meat inspection act.

(12) "Livestock salesyard operator" means any person licensed to operate a cattle auction market or salesyard under the provisions of chapter 16.65 RCW as enacted or hereafter amended.

(13) "Mail" or "send" for purposes of any notice relating to rule making means regular mail or electronic distribution, as provided in RCW 34.05.260 for rule making. "Electronic distribution" or "electronically" means distribution by electronic mail or facsimile mail.

Sec. 81. RCW 16.67.070 and 1991 c 9 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In the event a position on the commission becomes vacant due to resignation, disqualification, death, or for any other reason, the unexpired term of such position shall be filled by the director forthwith.

(2) Each member of the commission shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.230 ((~~and~~)).

(3) Each member or employee shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses ((~~in accordance with~~)) incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter as defined by the commission in rule. Otherwise if not defined in rule, reimbursement for travel expenses shall be at the rates allowed by RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

Sec. 82. RCW 16.67.090 and 2000 c 146 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The powers and duties of the commission shall include the following:

(1) To administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter, and do all things reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter;

(2) To elect a chairman and such other officers as it deems advisable;

(3) To employ and discharge at its discretion a manager, secretary, and such other personnel, including attorneys engaged in the private practice of law subject to the ((~~approval and supervision~~)) review of the attorney general, as the commission determines are necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter, and to prescribe their duties and powers and fix their compensation;

(4) To adopt, rescind, and amend rules, regulations, and orders for the exercise of its powers hereunder subject to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW ((~~(Administrative Procedure Act) as now or hereafter amended~~)), except that rule-making proceedings conducted under this chapter are exempt from compliance with RCW 34.05.310, the provisions of chapter 19.85 RCW, the regulatory fairness act, and the provisions of RCW 43.135.055 when adoption of the rule is determined by a referendum vote of the affected parties;

(5) To establish by resolution, a headquarters which shall continue as such unless and until so changed by the commission. All records, books and minutes of the commission shall be kept at such headquarters;

(6) To require a bond of all commission members and employees of the commission in a position of trust in the amount the commission shall deem necessary. The premium for such bond or bonds shall be paid by the commission from assessments collected. Such bond shall not be necessary if any such commission member or employee is covered by any blanket bond covering officials or employees of the state of Washington;

(7) To establish a beef commission revolving fund, such fund to be deposited in a bank or banks or financial institution or institutions, approved for the deposit of state funds, in which all money received by the commission, except an amount of petty cash for each day's needs not to exceed one hundred dollars, shall be deposited each day or as often during the day as advisable; none of the provisions of RCW 43.01.050 as now or hereafter amended shall apply to money collected under this chapter;

(8) To prepare a budget or budgets covering anticipated income and expenses to be incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter during each fiscal year;

(9) To incur expense and enter into contracts and to create such liabilities as may be reasonable for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter;

(10) To borrow money, not in excess of its estimate of its revenue from the current year's contributions;

(11) To keep or cause to be kept in accordance with accepted standards of good accounting practice, accurate records of all assessments, expenditures, moneys and other financial transactions made and done pursuant to this chapter. Such records, books and accounts shall be audited at least every five years subject to procedures and methods lawfully prescribed by the state auditor. Such books and accounts shall be closed as of the last day of each fiscal year. A copy of such audit shall be delivered within thirty days after completion thereof to the director, the state auditor and the commission. On such years and in such event the state auditor is unable to audit the records, books and accounts within six months following the close of the audit period it shall be mandatory that the commission employ a private auditor to make such audit;

(12) To sue and be sued as a commission, without individual liability for acts of the commission within the scope of the powers conferred upon it by this chapter;

(13) To cooperate with any other local, state, or national commission, organization or agency, whether voluntary or established by state or federal law, including recognized livestock groups, engaged in work or activities similar to the work and activities of the commission created by this chapter and make contracts and agreements with such organizations or agencies for carrying on joint programs beneficial to the beef industry;

(14) To accept grants, donations, contributions or gifts from any governmental agency or private source for expenditures for any purpose consistent with the provisions of this chapter; and

(15) To operate jointly with beef commissions or similar agencies established by state laws in adjoining states.

Sec. 83. RCW 16.67.120 and 2000 c 146 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) There is hereby levied an assessment of ((~~fifty cents~~)) one dollar per head on all Washington cattle sold in this state or elsewhere to be paid by the seller at the time of sale: PROVIDED, That if such sale is accompanied by a brand inspection by the department such assessment may be collected at the same time, place and in the same manner as brand inspection fees. Such fees may be collected by the livestock services division of the department and transmitted to the commission: PROVIDED FURTHER, That, if such sale is made without a brand inspection by the department the assessment shall be paid by the seller and transmitted directly to the commission by the fifteenth day of the month following the month the transaction occurred.

(2) The procedures for collecting all state and federal assessments under this chapter shall be as required by the federal order and as described by rules adopted by the commission.

Sec. 84. RCW 16.67.122 and 2000 c 146 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

In addition to the assessment authorized pursuant to RCW 16.67.120, the commission has the authority to collect an additional assessment of ((~~one dollar~~)) fifty cents per head for cattle subject to assessment by federal order for the purpose of providing funds for a national beef promotion and research program. The manner in which this assessment will be levied and collected shall be established by rule. The authority to collect this assessment shall be contingent upon the implementation of federal legislation providing for a national beef promotion and research program and the establishment of the assessment requirement to fund its activities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 85. A new section is added to chapter 16.67 RCW to read as follows:

The commission has the power to subpoena witnesses and to issue subpoenas for the production of any books, records, or documents of any kind for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 86. A new section is added to chapter 16.67 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The commission shall reimburse the director for necessary costs for services conducted on behalf of the commission under this chapter.

(2) The commission may enter into an agreement with the director to administer this chapter or chapter 34.05 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 87. A new section is added to chapter 15.44 RCW to read as follows:

The history, economy, culture, and the future of Washington state's agriculture involves the dairy industry. In order to develop and promote Washington's dairy products as part of an existing comprehensive scheme to regulate those products the legislature declares:

(1) That the Washington state dairy products commission is created. The commission may also take actions under the name "the dairy farmers of Washington";

(2) That it is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its dairy products be properly promoted by (a) enabling the dairy industry to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, and standardizing of the dairy products they produce; and (b) working to stabilize the dairy industry by increasing consumption of dairy products within the state, the nation, and internationally;

(3) That dairy producers operate within a regulatory environment that imposes burdens on them for the benefit of society and the citizens of the state and includes restrictions on marketing autonomy. Those restrictions may impair the dairy producer's ability to compete in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(4) That it is in the overriding public interest that support for the dairy industry be clearly expressed, that adequate protection be given to agricultural commodities, uses, activities, and operations, and that dairy products be promoted individually, and as part of a comprehensive industry to:

(a) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agriculture industry;

(b) Increase the sale and use of Washington state's dairy products in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(c) Protect the public by educating the public in reference to the quality, care, and methods used in the production of Washington state's dairy products;

(d) Increase the knowledge of the health giving qualities and dietetic value of dairy products; and

(e) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the production, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of dairy products produced in Washington state;

(5) That this chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state; and

(6) That the dairy industry is a highly regulated industry and that this chapter and the rules adopted under it are only one aspect of the regulated industry. Other regulations and restraints applicable to the dairy industry include the:

(a) Federal marketing order under 7 C.F.R., Part 1124;

(b) Dairy promotion program under the dairy and tobacco adjustment act of 1983, Subtitle B;

(i) The national conference of interstate milk shippers pasteurized milk ordinance;

(ii) The national conference of interstate milk shippers dry milk ordinance;

(iii) Standards for the fabrication of single-service containers;

(iv) Procedures governing cooperative state-public health service;

(v) Methods of making sanitation ratings of milk supplies;

(vi) Evaluation and certification of milk laboratories; and

(vii) Interstate milk shippers;

(d) Milk and milk products for animal food act under chapter 15.37 RCW and rules;

(e) Organic food products act under chapter 15.86 RCW and rules;

(f) Intrastate commerce in food, drugs, and cosmetics act under chapter 69.04 RCW and rules, including provisions of 21 C.F.R. relating to the general manufacturing practices, milk processing, food labeling, food standards, and food additives;

(g) Washington food processing act under chapter 69.07 RCW and rules;

(h) Washington food storage warehouses act under chapter 69.10 RCW and rules;

(i) Animal health under chapter 16.36 RCW and rules;

(j) Weighmasters under chapter 15.80 RCW and rules; and

(k) Dairy nutrient management act under chapter 90.64 RCW and rules.

Sec. 88. RCW 15.44.010 and 1985 c 261 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter:

"Commission" means the Washington state dairy products commission;

To "ship" means to deliver or consign milk or cream to a person dealing in, processing, distributing, or manufacturing dairy products for sale, for human consumption or industrial or medicinal uses;

"Handler" means one who purchases milk, cream, or skimmed milk for processing, manufacturing, sale, or distribution;

"Dealer" means one who handles, ships, buys, and sells dairy products, or who acts as sales or purchasing agent, broker, or factor of dairy products;

"Mail" or "send" for purposes of any notice relating to rule making, referenda, or elections means regular mail or electronic distribution, as provided in RCW 34.05.260 for rule making. "Electronic distribution" or "electronically" means distribution by electronic mail or facsimile mail;

"Processor" means a person who uses milk or cream for canning, drying, manufacturing, preparing, or packaging or for use in producing or manufacturing any product therefrom;

"Producer" means a person who produces milk from cows and sells it for human or animal food, or medicinal or industrial uses;

"Maximum authorized assessment rate" means the level of assessment most recently approved by a referendum of producers;

"Current level of assessment" means the level of assessment paid by the producer as set by the commission which cannot exceed the maximum authorized assessment rate.

Sec. 89. RCW 15.44.020 and 1979 ex.s. c 238 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

((There is hereby created a Washington state dairy products commission to be thus known and designated: PROVIDED, That the commission may take actions under the name, "the dairy farmers of Washington".)) The dairy products commission shall be composed of not more than ten members. There shall be one member from each district who shall be a practical producer of dairy products to be elected by such producers, one member shall be a dealer, and one member shall be a producer who also acts as a dealer, and such dealer and producer who acts as a dealer shall be appointed by the director of agriculture, and the director of agriculture shall be an ex officio member without vote.

Sec. 90. RCW 15.44.035 and 1965 ex.s. c 44 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The commission shall prior to each election, in sufficient time to satisfy the requirements of RCW 15.44.033, furnish the director with a list of all producers within the district for which the election is being held. The commission shall require each dealer and shipper in addition to the information required under RCW 15.44.110 to furnish the commission with a list of names of producers whose milk they handle.

(2) Any producer may on his or her own motion file his or her name with the commission for the purpose of receiving notice of election.

(3) It is the responsibility of each producer to ensure that his or her correct address is filed with the commission.

(4) For all purposes of giving notice, holding referenda, and electing members of the commission, the applicable list of producers corrected up to the day preceding the date the list is certified and mailed to the director is deemed to be the list of all producers or handlers, as applicable, entitled to notice or to vote. The list shall be corrected and brought up-to-date in accordance with evidence and information provided to the commission.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 91. A new section is added to chapter 15.44 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The commission shall reimburse the director for necessary costs for services conducted on behalf of the commission under this chapter.

(2) The commission may enter into an agreement with the director to administer this chapter or chapter 34.05 RCW.

Sec. 92. RCW 15.44.038 and 1984 c 287 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A majority of the commission members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business and the performance of all duties of the commission.

(2) Each member shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.230 ((~~and~~)). Each member or employee shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter as defined by the commission in rule. Otherwise, if not defined in rule, reimbursement for travel expenses shall be at the rates allowed by RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

Sec. 93. RCW 15.44.060 and 1999 c 300 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The commission shall have the power and duty to:

(1) Elect a chairman and such other officers as it deems advisable, and adopt, rescind, and amend rules, regulations, and orders for the exercise of its powers, which shall have the effect of law when not inconsistent with existing laws;

(2) Administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and perform all acts and exercise all powers reasonably necessary to effectuate the purpose hereof;

(3) Employ and discharge advertising counsel, advertising agents, and such attorneys, agents, and employees as it deems necessary, and prescribe their duties and powers and fix their compensation;

(4) Establish offices, incur expenses, enter into contracts, and create such liabilities as are reasonable and proper for the proper administration of this chapter;

(5) Investigate and prosecute violations of this chapter;

(6) Conduct scientific research designed to improve milk production, quality, transportation, processing, and distribution and to develop and discover uses for products of milk and its derivatives;

(7) Make in its name such ((~~advertising~~)) contracts and other agreements as are necessary to build demand and promote the sale of dairy products on either a state, national, or foreign basis;

(8) Keep accurate records of all its dealings, which shall be open to public inspection and audit by the regular agencies of the state;

(9) Conduct the necessary research to develop more efficient and equitable methods of marketing dairy products, and enter upon, singly or in participation with others, the promotion and development of state, national, or foreign markets; ((~~and~~))

(10) Participate in federal and state agency hearings, meetings, and other proceedings relating to the regulation of the production, manufacture, distribution, sale, or use of dairy products, to provide educational meetings and seminars for the dairy industry on such matters, and to expend commission funds for such activities;

(11) Retain the services of private legal counsel to conduct legal actions, on behalf of the commission. The retention of a private attorney is subject to the review of the office of the attorney general;

(12) Work cooperatively with other local, state, and federal agencies, universities, and national organizations for the purposes of this chapter;

(13) Accept and expend or retain any gifts, bequests, contributions, or grants from private persons or private and public agencies to carry out the purposes of this chapter;

(14) Engage in appropriate fund-raising activities for the purpose of supporting activities of the commission authorized by this chapter;

(15) Expend funds for commodity-related education, training, and leadership programs as the commission deems appropriate; and

(16) Work cooperatively with nonprofit and other organizations to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 94. RCW 15.44.070 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 s 39 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Every rule((~~, regulation,~~)) or order made by the commission shall be filed with the director and published in two legal newspapers, one east and one west of the Cascade mountains ((~~and one west thereof~~)), within ten days after it is ((~~promulgated~~)) adopted, and ((~~shall become~~)) is effective ((~~pursuant to the provisions of~~)) as set forth under RCW 34.05.380.

(2) Rule-making proceedings conducted under this chapter are exempt from compliance with RCW 34.05.310, the provisions of chapter 19.85 RCW, the regulatory fairness act, and the provisions of RCW 43.135.055 when adoption of the rule is determined by a referendum vote of the affected parties.

Sec. 95. RCW 15.44.080 and 1985 c 261 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) There is hereby levied upon all milk produced in this state an assessment of ((~~0.6%~~)):

(a) 0.75 percent of class I price for 3.5((%)) percent butter fat milk as established in any market area by a market order in effect in that area or by the state department of agriculture in case there is no market order for that area; ((~~and~~)) or

(b) While the federal dairy and tobacco adjustment act of 1983, Title I, Subtitle B-dairy promotion program, is in effect:

(i) An assessment rate not to exceed the rate approved at the most recent referendum that would achieve a ten cent per hundredweight credit to local, state, or regional promotion organizations provided by Title I, Subtitle B of the federal dairy and tobacco adjustment act of 1983; and

(ii) An additional assessment of 0.625 of one cent per hundredweight.

(2) Subject to approval by a producer referendum as provided in this section, the commission shall have the further power and duty to increase the amount of the maximum authorized assessment rate to be levied upon either milk or cream according to the necessities required to effectuate the stated purpose of the commission.

In determining such necessities, the commission shall consider one or more of the following:

(a) The necessities of((‑-)):

(i) Developing better and more efficient methods of marketing milk and related dairy products;

(ii) Aiding dairy producers in preventing economic waste in the marketing of their commodities;

(iii) Developing and engaging in research for developing better and more efficient production, marketing, and utilization of agricultural products;

(iv) Establishing orderly marketing of dairy products;

(v) Providing for uniform grading and proper preparation of dairy products for market;

(vi) Providing methods and means including but not limited to public relations and promotion, for the maintenance of present markets, for development of new or larger markets, both domestic and foreign, for dairy products produced within this state, and for the prevention, modification, or elimination of trade barriers which obstruct the free flow of such agricultural commodities to market;

(vii) Restoring and maintaining adequate purchasing power for dairy producers of this state; and

(viii) Protecting the interest of consumers by assuring a sufficient pure and wholesome supply of milk and cream of good quality;

(b) The extent and probable cost of required research and market promotion and advertising;

(d) The probable revenue from the assessment as a consequence of its being revised.

(3)(a) This section shall apply where milk or cream is marketed either in bulk or package. However, this section shall not apply to milk or cream used upon the farm or in the household where produced.

(b) The increase in the maximum authorized assessment rate to be charged producers on milk and cream provided for in this section shall not become effective until approved by fifty-one percent of the producers voting in a referendum conducted by the commission.

The referendum for approval of any increase in the maximum authorized assessment rate provided for in this section shall be by secret mail ballot furnished to all producers paying assessments to the commission. The commission shall furnish ballots to producers at least ten days in advance of the day it has set for concluding the referendum and counting the ballots. Any interested producer may be present at such time the commission counts ((~~said~~)) the ballots.

Sec. 96. RCW 15.44.085 and 1979 ex.s. c 238 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

There is hereby levied on every hundredweight of class I or class II milk, as defined in RCW 15.44.087, sold by a dealer, including any milk sold by a producer who acts as a dealer, an assessment of:

(1) Five-eighths of one cent per hundredweight. Such assessment shall be in addition to the producer assessment paid by any producer who also acts as a dealer.

(2) Any additional assessment, within the power and duty of the commission to levy, such that the total assessment shall not exceed one cent per hundredweight, as required to effectuate the purpose of this section.

Such assessment may be increased by approval of dealers and producers who also act as dealers, subject to the standards set forth in chapter 15.44 RCW for increasing or decreasing assessments. The funds derived from such assessment shall be used for educational programs ((~~in institutions of learning~~)) and the sum of such funds derived annually from said dealers and producers who act as dealers shall be matched by assessments derived from producers for the purpose of funding ((~~said~~)) the educational purposes ((~~in institutions of learning~~)) by an amount not less than the moneys collected from dealers and producers who act as dealers.

Sec. 97. RCW 15.44.110 and 1961 c 11 s 15.44.110 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Each dealer and shipper shall at such times as by rule ((~~or regulation~~)) required((,)) file with the commission a return under oath on forms to be furnished by the commission, stating the quantity of dairy products handled, processed, manufactured, delivered, and shipped, and the quantity of all milk and cream delivered to or purchased by such person from the various producers of dairy products or their agents in the state during the period or periods prescribed by the commission.

(2) The commission has the authority to issue subpoenas for the production of books, records, documents, and other writings of any kind and may issue subpoenas to witnesses to give testimony.

Sec. 98. RCW 15.44.140 and 1961 c 11 s 15.44.140 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The commission through its agents may inspect the premises and records of any carrier, handler, dealer, manufacturer, processor, or distributor of dairy products for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.

(2) The commission has the authority to issue subpoenas for the production of books, records, documents, and other writings of any kind for any carrier, handler, dealer, manufacturer, processor, or distributor of dairy products for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 99. A new section is added to chapter 15.44 RCW to read as follows:

The commission is authorized to adopt rules governing promotional hosting expenditures by commission employees, agents, or board members under RCW 15.04.200.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 100. A new section is added to chapter 15.44 RCW to read as follows:

The commission may establish foundations using commission funds as grant money when the foundation benefits the dairy products industry. Commission funds may only be used for the purposes authorized in this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 101. A new section is added to chapter 15.44 RCW to read as follows:

Any board member of the commission may be a member or officer of an association that has the same objectives for which the commission was formed. The commission may contract with the association for services necessary to carry out any purposes authorized under this chapter if an appropriate written contract has been entered into.

Sec. 102. RCW 15.44.150 and 1961 c 11 s 15.44.150 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~The state shall not be liable for the acts or on the contracts of the commission, nor shall any member or employee of the commission be liable on its contracts.~~)) Any action by the commission administrator, member, employee, or agent thereof pertaining to the performance or nonperformance or misperformance of any matters or things authorized, required, or permitted by this chapter, and any other liabilities, debts, or claims against the commission shall be enforced in the same manner as if the commission were a corporation. Liability for the debts or actions of the commission's administrator, member, employee, or agent incurred in their official capacity under this chapter does not exist either against the administrator, members, employees, and agents in their individual capacity or the state of Washington. The administrator, its members, and its agents and employees are not responsible individually in any way whatsoever to any person for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, either of commission or omission, as principal, agent, person, or employee, except for their own individual acts of dishonesty or crime.

All persons employed or contracting under this chapter shall be limited to, and all salaries, expenses, and liabilities incurred by the commission shall be payable only from the funds collected ((~~hereunder~~)) under this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 103. A new section is added to chapter 15.28 RCW to read as follows:

The history, economy, culture, and the future of Washington state's agriculture involves the production of soft tree fruits. In order to develop and promote Washington's soft tree fruits as part of an existing comprehensive regulatory scheme the legislature declares:

(1) That the Washington state fruit commission is created;

(2) That it is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its soft tree fruits be properly promoted by (a) enabling the soft tree fruit industry to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered cooperative marketing, grading, and standardizing of soft tree fruits they produce; and (b) working to stabilize the soft tree fruit industry by increasing consumption of soft tree fruits within the state, the nation, and internationally;

(3) That producers of soft tree fruits operate within a regulatory environment that imposes burdens on them for the benefit of society and the citizens of the state and includes restrictions on marketing autonomy. Those restrictions may impair the producers of soft tree fruits in their ability to compete in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(4) That it is in the overriding public interest that support for the soft tree fruit industry be clearly expressed, that adequate protection be given to agricultural commodities, uses, activities, and operations, and that soft tree fruits be promoted individually, and as part of a comprehensive industry to:

(a) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agriculture industry;

(b) Increase the sale and use of Washington state's soft tree fruits in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(c) Protect the public by educating the public in reference to the quality, care, and methods used in the production of Washington state's soft tree fruits;

(d) Increase the knowledge of the health-giving qualities and dietetic value of soft tree fruits;

(e) Support and engage in cooperative programs or activities that benefit the production, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of soft tree fruits produced in Washington state;

(5) That this chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state and to stabilize and protect the soft tree fruit industry of the state; and

(6) That the production and marketing of soft tree fruit is a highly regulated industry and that the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted under it are only one aspect of the regulated industry. Other regulations and restraints applicable to the soft tree fruit industry include:

(a) The federal marketing order under 7 C.F.R. Part 922 (apricots);

(b) The federal marketing order under 7 C.F.R. Part 923 (sweet cherries);

(d) The federal marketing order under 7 C.F.R. Part 930 (tart cherries);

(e) The federal marketing order under 7 C.F.R. Part 931 (Bartlett pears);

(f) Tree fruit research act under chapter 15.26 RCW;

(g) Controlled atmosphere storage of fruits and vegetables under chapter 15.30 RCW;

(h) Organic food products act under chapter 15.86 RCW;

(i) Intrastate commerce in food, drugs, and cosmetics under chapter 69.04 RCW and rules;

(j) Washington food processing act under chapter 69.07 RCW;

(k) Washington food storage warehouses act under chapter 69.10 RCW;

(l) Weighmasters under chapter 15.80 RCW;

(m) Horticultural pests and diseases under chapter 15.08 RCW;

(n) Horticultural plants and facilities - inspection and licensing under chapter 15.13 RCW;

(o) Planting stock under chapter 15.14 RCW;

(p) Standards of grades and packs under chapter 15.17 RCW;

(q) Washington pesticide control act under chapter 15.58 RCW;

(r) Farm marketing under chapter 15.64 RCW;

(s) Insect pests and plant diseases under chapter 17.24 RCW;

(t) Weights and measures under chapter 19.94 RCW;

(u) Agricultural products - commission merchants, dealers, brokers, buyers, and agents under chapter 20.01 RCW; and

(v) Rules under the Washington Administrative Code, Title 16.

Sec. 104. RCW 15.28.010 and 1989 c 354 s 27 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter:

(1) "Commission" means the Washington state fruit commission.

(2) "Shipment" or "shipped" includes loading in a conveyance to be transported to market for resale, and includes delivery to a processor or processing plant, but does not include movement from the orchard where grown to a packing or storage plant within this state for fresh shipment;

(3) "Handler" means any person who ships or initiates the shipping operation, whether as owner, agent or otherwise;

(4) "Dealer" means any person who handles, ships, buys, or sells soft tree fruits other than those grown by him or her, or who acts as sales or purchasing agent, broker, or factor of soft tree fruits;

(5) "Processor" or "processing plant" includes every person or plant receiving soft tree fruits for the purpose of drying, dehydrating, canning, pressing, powdering, extracting, cooking, quick-freezing, brining, or for use in manufacturing a product;

(6) "Soft tree fruits" mean Bartlett pears and all varieties of cherries, apricots, prunes, plums, and peaches, which includes all varieties of nectarines. "Bartlett pears" means and includes all standard Bartlett pears and all varieties, strains, subvarieties, and sport varieties of Bartlett pears including Red Bartlett pears, that are harvested and utilized at approximately the same time and approximately in the same manner.

(7) "Commercial fruit" or "commercial grade" means soft tree fruits meeting the requirements of any established or recognized fresh fruit or processing grade. Fruit bought or sold on orchard run basis and not subject to cull weighback shall be deemed to be "commercial fruit."

(8) "Cull grade" means fruit of lower than commercial grade except when such fruit included with commercial fruit does not exceed the permissible tolerance permitted in a commercial grade;

(9) "Producer" means any person who is a grower of any soft tree fruit;

(10) "District No. 1" or "first district" includes the counties of Chelan, Okanogan, Grant, Douglas, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane and Lincoln;

(11) "District No. 2" or "second district" includes the counties of Kittitas, Yakima, and Benton county north of the Yakima river;

(12) "District No. 3" or "third district" comprises all of the state not included in the first and second districts;

(13) "Mail" or "send" for purposes of any notice relating to rule making, referenda, or elections means regular mail or electronic distribution, as provided in RCW 34.05.260 for rule making. "Electronic distribution" or "electronically" means distribution by electronic mail or facsimile mail;

(14) "Department" means the department of agriculture;

(15) "Director" means the director of agriculture.

Sec. 105. RCW 15.28.020 and 1967 c 191 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~A corporation to be known as the Washington state fruit commission is hereby created,~~)) The commission is composed of sixteen voting members, ((~~to wit~~)) as follows: Ten producers, four dealers, and two processors, who ((~~shall be~~)) are elected and qualified as ((~~herein~~)) provided in this chapter. The director ((~~of agriculture, hereinafter referred to as the director, or his duly~~)), or an authorized representative, shall be an ex officio member without a vote.

A majority of the voting members ((~~shall~~)) constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

Sec. 106. RCW 15.28.110 and 1961 c 11 s 15.28.110 are each amended to read as follows:

The commission's duties are:

(1) To adopt a ((~~corporate~~)) commission seal;

(2) To elect a secretary-manager((,)) and a treasurer, and fix their compensation. The same person may be elected to both ((~~of said~~)) offices;

(3) To establish classifications of soft tree fruits;

(4) To conduct scientific research and develop the healthful, therapeutic, and dietetic value of ((~~said~~)) fruits, and promote the general welfare of the soft tree fruit industry of the state;

(5) To conduct a comprehensive advertising and educational campaign to effectuate the objects of this chapter;

(6) To increase the production, and develop and expand the markets, and improve the handling and quality of ((~~said~~)) fruits;

(7) To keep accurate accounts and records of all of its dealings, which shall be open to inspection and audit by the state auditor;

(8) To investigate and prosecute violations ((~~hereof~~)) of this chapter; and

(9) To serve as an advisory committee to the director with regard to the adoption and enforcement of rules:

(a) Governing the grading, packing, and size and dimensions of commercial containers of soft tree fruits; and

(b) Fixing commercial grades of soft tree fruits and the issuance of certificates of inspection for those fruits.

Sec. 107. RCW 15.28.130 and 1961 c 11 s 15.28.130 are each amended to read as follows:

Neither the state, nor any member, agent, or employee of the commission, ((~~shall be~~)) is liable for the acts of the commission, or upon its contracts.

All salaries, expenses, costs, obligations, and liabilities of the commission, and claims arising from the administration of this chapter, ((~~shall be~~)) are payable only from funds collected ((~~hereunder~~)) under this chapter.

In any civil or criminal action or proceeding for violation of any rule of statutory or common law against monopolies or combinations in restraint of trade, including any action under chapter 19.86 RCW, proof that the act complained of was done in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this chapter, is a complete defense to such an action or proceeding.

Sec. 108. RCW 15.28.250 and 1961 c 11 s 15.28.250 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the assessment has been paid by the grower and evidence thereof submitted by him or her, the dealer, handler, or processor ((~~shall be~~)) is responsible for the payment of all assessments ((~~hereunder~~)) under this chapter on all soft tree fruits handled, shipped, or processed by him or her but he or she shall charge the same against the grower, who shall be primarily responsible for such payment. Assessments are due upon receipt of an invoice for the assessments.

If the assessment becomes delinquent, the department shall cease to provide inspection services under chapter 15.17 RCW to the delinquent party until that party pays all delinquent assessments, interest, and penalties.

Any assessment due and payable under this section constitutes a personal debt of every person so assessed or who otherwise owes the same. In addition, the commission may add to such unpaid assessment or sum an amount not exceeding ten percent of the same to defray the cost of enforcing the collecting of the same. In the event of failure of such person or persons to pay any such due and payable assessment or other such sum, the commission may bring a civil action against such person or persons, together with the specified ten percent thereon, and such action shall be tried and judgment rendered as in any other cause of action for debt due and payable.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 109. A new section is added to chapter 15.28 RCW to read as follows:

Rule-making proceedings conducted under this chapter are exempt from compliance with RCW 34.05.310 and the provisions of chapter 19.85 RCW, the regulatory fairness act, when adoption of the rule is determined by a referendum vote of the affected parties.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 110. A new section is added to chapter 15.88 RCW to read as follows:

The history, economy, culture, and future of Washington state's agriculture involves the wine industry. In order to develop and promote wine grapes and wine as part of an existing comprehensive scheme to regulate those products the legislature declares:

(1) That it is vital to the continued economic well‑being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its wine grapes and wine be properly promoted by (a) enabling the wine industry to help themselves in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing of wine grapes and wines they produce; and (b) working to stabilize the wine industry by increasing markets for wine grapes and wine within the state, the nation, and internationally;

(2) That wine grape growers and wine producers operate within a regulatory environment that imposes burdens on them for the benefit of society and the citizens of the state and includes restrictions on marketing autonomy. Those restrictions may impair the wine grape growers' and wine producers' ability to compete in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(3) That it is in the overriding public interest that support for the wine industry be clearly expressed; that adequate protection be given to agricultural commodities, uses, activities, and operations; and that wine grapes and wine be promoted individually, and as part of a comprehensive industry to:

(a) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agriculture industry;

(b) Increase the sale and use of wine grapes and wine in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(c) Protect the public by educating the public in reference to the quality, care, and methods used in the production of wine grapes and wine;

(d) Increase the knowledge of the qualities and value of Washington's wine grapes and wine; and

(e) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the production, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of wine grapes and wine;

(4) That this chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state; and

(5) That the production and marketing of wine grapes and wine is a highly regulated industry and that the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted under it are only one aspect of the regulated industry. Other regulations and restraints applicable to the wine grape and wine industry include:

(a) Organic food products act under chapter 15.86 RCW;

(b) Horticultural pests and diseases under chapter 15.08 RCW;

(d) Planting stock under chapter 15.14 RCW;

(e) Washington pesticide control act under chapter 15.58 RCW;

(f) Insect pests and plant diseases under chapter 17.24 RCW;

(g) Wholesale distributors and suppliers of wine and malt beverages under chapter 19.126 RCW;

(h) Weights and measures under chapter 19.94 RCW;

(i) Title 66 RCW, alcoholic beverage control;

(j) Title 69 RCW, food, drugs, cosmetics, and poisons including provisions of 21 C.F.R. relating to the general manufacturing practices, food labeling, food standards, food additives, and pesticide tolerances;

(k) Chapter 69.07 RCW, Washington food processing act;

(l) 27 U.S.C., Secs. 201 through 211, 213 through 219a, and 122A;

(m) 27 C.F.R., Parts 1, 6, 9, 10, 12, 16, 240, 251, 252; and

(n) Rules under Titles 16 and 314 WAC, and rules adopted under chapter 15.88 RCW.

Sec. 111. RCW 15.88.050 and 1987 c 452 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

The director shall appoint the members of the commission. In making such appointments of the voting members, the director shall take into consideration recommendations made by the growers' association and the wine institute as the persons recommended for appointment as members of the commission. In appointing persons to the commission, the director shall seek to ensure as nearly as possible a balanced representation on the commission which would reflect the composition of the growers and wine producers throughout the state as to number of acres cultivated and amount of wine produced.

The appointment shall be carried out immediately subsequent to July 1, 1987, and members so appointed as set forth in this chapter shall serve for the periods set forth for the original members of the commission under RCW 15.88.040.

In the event a position on the commission becomes vacant due to resignation, disqualification, death, or for any other reason, the unexpired term of the position shall immediately be filled by appointment by the director.

Each member or employee of the commission shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses ((~~in accordance with~~)) incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter as defined by the commission in rule. Otherwise if not defined in rule, reimbursement for travel expenses shall be at the rates allowed by RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 112. A new section is added to chapter 43.23 RCW to read as follows:

The director may consult with each commodity commission established under state law in order to establish or maintain an integrated comprehensive regulatory scheme for each commodity and the agricultural industry in this state as a whole.

Sec. 113. RCW 15.76.150 and 1965 ex.s. c 32 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The director shall have the authority to make allocations from the state fair fund, including interest income under RCW 43.79A.040, exclusively as follows: Eighty-five percent to participating agricultural fairs, distributed according to the merit of such fairs measured by a merit rating to be set up by the director. This merit rating shall take into account such factors as area and population served, open and/or youth participation, attendance, gate receipts, number and type of exhibits, premiums and prizes paid, community support, evidence of successful achievement of the aims and purposes of the fair, extent of improvements made to grounds and facilities from year to year, and overall condition and appearance of grounds and facilities. The remaining fifteen percent of money in the state fair fund may be used for special assistance to any participating fair or fairs and for administrative expenses incurred in the administration of this chapter only, including expenses incurred by the fair commission as may be approved by the director: PROVIDED, That not more than five percent of the state fair fund may be used for such expenses.

The division and payment of funds authorized in this section shall occur at such times as the director may prescribe.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 114. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 16.67.020 (Purpose of chapter) and 1969 c 133 s 19;

(2) RCW 15.44.037 (Reimbursement of election costs) and 1965 ex.s. c 44 s 8;

(3) RCW 15.44.900 (Purpose of chapter) and 1961 c 11 s 15.44.900; and

(4) RCW 15.28.900 (Preamble) and 1961 c 11 s 15.28.900.

Sec. 115. RCW 15.24.010 and 1989 c 354 s 53 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter:

(1) "Commission" means the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission;

(2) "Ship" means to load apples into a conveyance for transport, except apples being moved from the orchard where grown to a packing house or warehouse within the immediate area of production;

(3) "Handler" means any person who ships or initiates a shipping operation, whether for himself, herself, or for another;

(4) "Dealer" means any person who handles, ships, buys, or sells apples, or who acts as sales or purchasing agent, broker, or factor of apples;

(5) "Processor" and "processing plant" means every person to whom and every place to which apples are delivered for drying, dehydrating, canning, pressing, powdering, extracting, cooking, or for use in producing a product or manufacturing a manufactured article;

(6) "Processing apples" means all apples delivered to a processing plant for drying, dehydrating, canning, pressing, powdering, extracting, cooking, or for use in producing a product or manufacturing a manufactured article. However, "processing apples" does not include fresh apples sliced or cut for raw consumption;

(7) "Fresh apples" means all apples other than processing apples;

(8) "Director" means the director of the department of agriculture or his or her duly authorized representative;

(9) "Grower district No. 1" includes the counties of Chelan, Okanogan, and Douglas;

(10) "Grower district No. 2" includes the counties of Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, and Franklin;

(11) "Grower district No. 3" includes all counties in the state not included in the first and second districts;

(12) "Dealer district No. 1" includes the area of the state north of Interstate 90;

(13) "Dealer district No. 2" includes the area of the state south of Interstate 90; and

(14) "Executive officer" includes, but is not limited to, the principal management executive, sales manager, general manager, or other executive employee of similar responsibility and authority.

Sec. 116. RCW 15.24.020 and 1989 c 354 s 54 are each amended to read as follows:

There is hereby created a Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission to be thus known and designated. The commission shall be composed of nine practical apple producers and four practical apple dealers. The director shall be an ex officio member of the commission without vote.

The nine producer members shall be citizens and residents of this state, over the age of twenty-five years, each of whom, either individually or as an executive officer of a corporation, firm or partnership, is and has been actually engaged in growing and producing apples within the state of Washington for a period of five years, currently operates a commercial producing orchard in the district represented, and has during that period derived a substantial portion of his or her income therefrom: PROVIDED, That he or she may own and operate an apple warehouse and pack and store apples grown by others, without being disqualified, so long as a substantial quantity of the apples handled in such warehouse are grown by him or her; and he or she may sell apples grown by himself, herself, and others so long as he or she does not sell a larger quantity of apples grown by others than those grown by himself or herself. The four dealer members shall be persons who, either individually or as executive officers of a corporation, firm, partnership, association, or cooperative organization, are and have been actively engaged as dealers in apples within the state of Washington for a period of five years, and are citizens and residents of this state, and are engaged as apple dealers in the district represented. The qualifications of members of the commission as herein set forth must continue during their term of office.

Sec. 117. RCW 15.24.040 and 1989 c 354 s 56 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~director~~)) commission shall call a meeting of apple growers, and meetings of apple dealers in dealer district No. 1 and dealer district No. 2 for the purpose of nominating their respective members of the commission, when a term is about to expire, or when a vacancy exists, except as provided in RCW 15.24.050, as amended, at times and places to be fixed by the commission. ((~~Said~~)) The meetings shall be held not later than February 15th of each year and insofar as practicable, the ((~~said~~)) meetings of the growers shall be held at the same time and place as the annual meeting of the Washington state horticultural association, or the annual meeting of any other producer organization which represents a majority of the state's apple producers, as determined by the commission, but not while the same is in actual session. Public notice of such meetings shall be given by the commission in such manner as it may determine: PROVIDED, That nonreceipt of the notice by any interested person shall not invalidate the proceedings. Any qualified person may be nominated orally for such positions at the ((~~said~~)) respective meetings. Nominations may also be made within five days after any such meeting by written petition filed in the Wenatchee office of the commission, signed by not less than five apple growers or dealers, as the case may be, residing within the district or within the subdivision if the nomination is made from a subdivision.

The members of the commission shall be elected by secret mail ballot under the supervision of the director: PROVIDED, That in any case where there is but one nomination for a position, a secret mail ballot shall not be conducted or required and the director shall certify the candidate to be elected. Grower members of the commission shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the apple growers in the respective districts or subdivisions thereof, as the case may be, each grower who operates a commercial producing apple orchard within the district or subdivision being represented, whether an individual proprietor, partnership, joint venture, or corporation, being entitled to one vote. As to bona fide leased or rented orchards, only the lessee-operator, if otherwise qualified, shall be entitled to vote. An individual commercial orchard operator, if otherwise qualified, shall be entitled to vote as such, even though he or she is also a member of a partnership or corporation which votes for other apple acreage. Dealer members of the commission shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by the apple dealers in the respective districts, each dealer being entitled to one vote. If a nominee does not receive a majority of the votes on the first ballot, a run-off election shall be held by mail in a similar manner between the two candidates for such position receiving the largest number of votes.

Sec. 118. RCW 15.24.050 and 1984 c 287 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

In the event a position becomes vacant due to resignation, disqualification, death, or for any other reason, such position until the next annual meeting shall be filled by vote of the remaining members of the commission. At such annual meeting a commissioner shall be elected to fill the balance of the unexpired term.

A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business and the carrying out of the duties of the commission.

Each member of the commission shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.230 and shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Employees of the commission may also be reimbursed for actual travel expenses when ((~~out of state~~)) on official commission business.

Sec. 119. RCW 15.24.070 and 1994 c 134 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission is hereby declared and created a corporate body. The powers and duties of the commission shall include the following:

(1) To elect a chair and such other officers as it deems advisable; and to adopt, rescind, and amend rules and orders for the exercise of its powers under this chapter, which shall have the force and effect of the law when not inconsistent with existing laws;

(2) To administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter, and do all things reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter;

(3) To employ and at its pleasure discharge a manager, secretary, agents, attorneys, and employees as it deems necessary, and to prescribe their duties and powers and fix their compensation;

(4) To establish offices and incur expense and enter into contracts and to create such liabilities as may be reasonable for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter. Expenses may include reasonable, prudent use of promotional hosting to benefit the purposes of this chapter;

(5) To investigate and prosecute violations of this chapter;

(6) To conduct scientific research to develop and discover the health, food, therapeutic, and dietetic value of apples and apple products;

(7) To keep accurate record of all of its dealings, which shall be open to inspection and audit by the state auditor;

(8) To sue and be sued, adopt a corporate seal, and have all of the powers of a corporation;

(9) To expend funds for commodity-related education, training, and leadership programs as the commission deems expedient;

(10) To borrow money and incur indebtedness;

(11) To accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises, of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, and sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend these donations or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from the donations except as limited by the donor's terms. The commission shall adopt rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds, rents, profits, and income of all such gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises. The authority to make expenditures granted by this subsection includes the authority to make expenditures to provide scholarships or financial assistance to persons as defined in RCW 1.16.080 or entities associated with the apple industry, but is not limited to the authority to make expenditures for such a purpose; ((~~and~~))

(12) To engage in appropriate fund-raising activities for the purpose of supporting the activities of the commission authorized by this chapter; and

(13) To retain, discharge, or contract with, at its pleasure, accountants, marketing agencies, and other professional consultants as necessary, under procedures for hiring, discharging, and review as adopted by the commission.

Sec. 120. RCW 15.24.080 and 1961 c 11 s 15.24.080 are each amended to read as follows:

In order to benefit the people of this state, the state's economy and its general tax revenues, the commission shall provide for and conduct a comprehensive and extensive research, advertising, and educational campaign as continuous as the crop, sales, and market conditions reasonably require. It shall investigate and ascertain the needs of producers, conditions of the markets, and extent to which public convenience and necessity require research and advertising to be conducted.

Sec. 121. RCW 15.24.085 and 1961 c 11 s 15.24.085 are each amended to read as follows:

The restrictive provisions of chapter 43.78 RCW shall not apply to promotional printing and literature for the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission, the Washington state fruit commission, or the Washington state dairy products commission.

Sec. 122. RCW 15.24.090 and 1983 c 95 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

If it appears from investigation by the commission that the revenue from the assessment levied on fresh apples under this chapter is too high or is inadequate to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, the commission shall adopt a resolution setting forth the necessities of the industry, the extent and probable cost of the required research, market promotion, and advertising, the extent of public convenience, interest, and necessity, and probable revenue from the assessment levied. It shall thereupon decrease or increase the assessment to a sum determined by the commission to be necessary for those purposes based upon a rate per one hundred pounds of apples, gross billing weight, shipped in bulk, container, or any style of package or reasonable equivalent net product assessment as determined by the commission. However, if a different rate is determined for any specific variety or for fresh apples sliced or cut for raw consumption, that different rate must be applied to that variety or those sliced or cut apples. A decrease or an increase becomes effective sixty days after the resolution is adopted or on any other date provided for in the resolution, but shall be first referred by the commission to a referendum mail ballot by the apple growers of this state conducted under the supervision of the director and be approved by a majority of the growers voting on it and also be approved by voting growers who operate more than fifty percent of the acreage voted in the same election. After the mail ballot, if favorable to the increase or decrease, the commission shall nevertheless exercise its independent judgment and discretion as to whether or not to approve the increase or decrease.

Sec. 123. RCW 15.24.100 and 1967 c 240 s 28 are each amended to read as follows:

There is hereby levied upon all fresh apples grown annually in this state, and all apples packed as Washington apples, an assessment of twelve cents on each one hundred pounds gross billing weight or reasonable equivalent net product assessment measurement, as determined by the commission, plus such annual decreases or increases thereof as are imposed pursuant to the provisions of RCW 15.24.090. All moneys collected hereunder shall be expended to effectuate the purpose and objects of this chapter.

Sec. 124. RCW 15.24.110 and 1967 c 240 s 29 are each amended to read as follows:

The assessments on fresh apples shall be paid, or provision made therefor satisfactory to the commission, prior to shipment, and no fresh apples shall be carried, transported, or shipped by any person or by any carrier, railroad, truck, boat, or other conveyance until the assessment has been paid or provision made therefor satisfactory to the commission.

The commission shall by rule ((~~or regulation~~)) prescribe the method of collection, and for that purpose may require stamps to be known as "Washington apple ((~~advertising~~)) stamps" to be purchased from the commission and attached to the containers, invoices, shipping documents, inspection certificates, releases, or receiving receipts or tickets. Rule-making procedures conducted under this section are exempt from the provisions of RCW 43.135.055 when adoption of the rule or rules is determined by a referendum vote of the persons taxed under this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 125. A new section is added to chapter 15.24 RCW to read as follows:

Rule-making proceedings conducted under this chapter are exempt from compliance with RCW 34.05.310 and the provisions of chapter 19.85 RCW, the regulatory fairness act, when the proposed rule is subject to a referendum.

Sec. 126. RCW 15.24.160 and 1961 c 11 s 15.24.160 are each amended to read as follows:

To maintain and complement the existing comprehensive regulatory scheme, the commission may employ, designate as agent, act in concert with, and enter into contracts with any person, council, or commission, including but not limited to the director, state agencies such as the Washington state fruit commission and its successors, statewide horticultural associations, organizations or associations engaged in tracking the movement and marketing of horticultural products, and organizations or associations of horticultural growers, for the purpose of promoting the general welfare of the apple industry and particularly for the purpose of assisting in the sale and distribution of apples in domestic or foreign commerce, and expend its funds or such portion thereof as it may deem necessary or advisable for such purpose and for the purpose of paying its proportionate share of the cost of any program providing direct or indirect assistance to the sale and distribution of apples in domestic or foreign commerce. For such purposes it may employ and pay for legal counsel and contract and pay for other professional services. Neither the state, nor any member, agent, or employee of the commission, is liable for the acts of the commission, or upon its contracts. In any civil or criminal action or proceeding for violation of any rule of statutory or common law against monopolies or combinations in restraint of trade, including any action under chapter 19.86 RCW, proof that the act complained of was done in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this chapter, is a complete defense to such an action or proceeding.

Sec. 127. RCW 15.24.170 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 s 37 are each amended to read as follows:

Rules, regulations, and orders made by the commission shall be filed with the director and published in a legal newspaper in the cities of Wenatchee and Yakima within five days after being made, and shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of RCW ((~~34.05.040~~)) 34.05.380.

Sec. 128. RCW 15.24.800 and 1987 c 6 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature hereby finds that, in order to permit the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission to accomplish more efficiently its important public purposes, as enumerated in chapter 15.24 RCW, it is necessary for the state to assist in financing a new building for the commission, to be located on Euclid Avenue in Chelan county, and housing commission offices, warehouse space, and a display room. The state's assistance shall augment approximately five hundred thousand dollars in commission funds which will be applied directly to the payment of the costs of this project. The state's assistance shall be in the amount of eight hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be required, to be provided from the proceeds from the sale and issuance of general obligation bonds of the state, the principal of and interest on which shall be reimbursed to the state treasury by the commission from revenues derived from the assessments levied pursuant to chapter 15.24 RCW and other sources.

Sec. 129. RCW 15.24.802 and 1987 c 6 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purpose of providing part of the funds necessary for the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission to undertake a capital project consisting of the land acquisition for, and the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of, the building described in RCW 15.24.800, and to pay the administrative costs of such project, including costs of bond issuance and retirement, salaries and related costs of officials and employees of the state, and other expenses incidental to the administration of such project, the state finance committee is authorized to issue general obligation bonds of the state of Washington in the sum of eight hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be required.

Sec. 130. RCW 15.24.806 and 1987 c 6 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized in RCW 15.24.802, together with all grants, donations, transferred funds, and all other moneys which the state finance committee or the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission may direct the state treasurer to deposit therein, shall be deposited in the state building construction account in the state treasury.

Sec. 131. RCW 15.24.808 and 1987 c 6 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

Subject to legislative appropriation, all proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized in RCW 15.24.802 shall be administered and expended by the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission exclusively for the purposes specified in RCW 15.24.802.

Sec. 132. RCW 15.24.812 and 1987 c 6 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

On or before June 30 of each year, the state finance committee shall certify to the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission the principal and interest payments determined under RCW 15.24.810, exclusive of deposit interest credit, attributable to the bonds issued under RCW 15.24.802. On each date on which any interest or principal and interest payment is due, the commission shall cause the amount certified by the state finance committee to be due on such date to be paid out of the commission's general fund to the state treasurer for deposit into the general fund of the state treasury.

Sec. 133. RCW 15.24.818 and 1987 c 6 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

The bonds authorized by RCW 15.24.802 shall be issued only after the treasurer of the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission has certified that the net proceeds of the bonds, together with all money to be made available by the commission for the purposes described in RCW 15.24.802, shall be sufficient for such purposes; and also that, based upon the treasurer's estimates of future income from assessments levied pursuant to chapter 15.24 RCW and other sources, an adequate balance will be maintained in the commission's general fund to enable the commission to meet the requirements of RCW 15.24.812 during the life of the bonds to be issued.

Sec. 134. RCW 15.24.900 and 1961 c 11 s 15.24.900 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) This chapter is passed:

((~~(1)~~)) (a) In the exercise of the police power of the state to assure, through this chapter, and other chapters, that the apple industry is highly regulated to protect the public health, to prevent fraudulent practices, to promote the welfare of the state, and to stabilize and protect the apple industry of the state as a vital and integral part of its economy for the benefit of all its citizens;

((~~(2)~~)) (b) Because the apple crop grown in Washington comprises one of the major agricultural crops of Washington, and that therefore the business of selling and distributing such crop and the expanding and protection of its market is of public interest;

((~~(3)~~)) (c) Because it is necessary and expedient to enhance the reputation of Washington apples in domestic and foreign markets;

((~~(4)~~)) (d) Because it is necessary to discover the health giving qualities and food and dietetic value of Washington apples, and to spread that knowledge throughout the world in order to increase the consumption of Washington apples;

((~~(5)~~)) (e) Because Washington grown apples are handicapped by high freight rates in competition with eastern and foreign grown apples in the markets of the world, and this disadvantage can only be overcome by education and advertising;

((~~(6)~~)) (f) Because the stabilizing and promotion of the apple industry, the enlarging of its markets, and the increasing of the consumption of apples are necessary to assure and increase the payment of taxes to the state and its subdivisions, to alleviate unemployment within the state, and increase wages for agricultural labor;

((~~(7)~~)) (g) To disseminate information giving the public full knowledge of the manner of production, the cost and expense thereof, the care taken to produce and sell only apples of the finest quality, the methods and care used in preparing for market, and the methods of sale and distribution to increase the amount secured by the producer therefor, so that they can pay higher wages and pay their taxes, and by such information to reduce the cost of distribution so that the spread between the cost to the consumer and the amount received by the producer will be reduced to the minimum absolutely necessary; and

((~~(8)~~)) (h) To protect the general public by educating it in reference to the various varieties and grades of Washington apples, the time to use and consume each variety, and the uses to which each variety should be put.

(2) The history, economy, culture, and future of Washington state's agricultural industry involves the apple industry. In order to develop and promote apples and apple products as part of an existing comprehensive scheme to regulate those products, the legislature declares:

(a) That it is vital to the continued economic well-being of the citizens of this state and their general welfare that its apple and apple products be properly promoted by establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, and standards of and for apples and apple products; and by working to stabilize the apple industry and by increasing consumption of apples and apple products within the state, nation, and internationally;

(b) That apple producers operate within a regulatory environment that imposes burdens on them for the benefit of society and the citizens of the state and includes restrictions on marketing autonomy. Those restrictions may impair the agricultural producer's ability to compete in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(c) That it is in the overriding public interest that support for the apple industry be clearly expressed, that adequate protection be given to agricultural commodities, uses, activities, and operations, and that apples and apple products be promoted individually, as well as part of a comprehensive promotion of the agricultural industry to:

(i) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agricultural industry;

(ii) Increase the sale and use of apples and apple products in local, domestic, and foreign markets;

(iii) Protect the public and consumers by correcting any false or misleading information and by educating the public in reference to the quality, care, and methods used in the production of apples and apple products, and in reference to the various sizes, grades, and varieties of apples and the uses to which each should be put;

(iv) Increase the knowledge of the health-giving qualities and dietetic value of apple products; and

(v) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the production, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of apples and apple products;

(d) That the apple industry is a highly regulated industry and that this chapter and the rules adopted under it are only one aspect of the regulation of the industry. Other regulations and restraints applicable to the apple industry include:

(i) Washington agriculture general provisions, chapter 15.04 RCW;

(ii) Pests and diseases, chapter 15.08 RCW;

(iii) Standards of grades and packs, chapter 15.17 RCW;

(iv) Tree fruit research, chapter 15.26 RCW;

(v) Controlled atmosphere storage, chapter 15.30 RCW;

(vi) Higher education in agriculture, chapter 28.30 RCW;

(vii) Department of agriculture, chapter 43.23 RCW;

(viii) Fertilizers, minerals, and limes under chapter 15.54 RCW;

(ix) Organic food products act under chapter 15.86 RCW;

(x) Intrastate commerce in food, drugs, and cosmetics under chapter 69.04 RCW and rules;

(xi) Horticultural plants and facilities - inspection and licensing under chapter 15.13 RCW;

(xii) Planting stock under chapter 15.14 RCW;

(xiii) Washington pesticide control act under chapter 15.58 RCW;

(xiv) Farm marketing under chapter 15.64 RCW;

(xv) Insect pests and plant diseases under chapter 17.24 RCW;

(xvi) Weights and measures under chapter 19.94 RCW;

(xvii) Agricultural products - commission merchants, dealers, brokers, buyers, and agents under chapter 20.01 RCW; and

(xviii) The federal insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide act under 7 U.S.C. Sec. 136; and

(e) That this chapter is in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purposes of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.

Sec. 135. RCW 15.26.130 and 1969 c 129 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission and the Washington state fruit commission shall supply the director with a list of known producers subject to paying assessments to the respective commissions. The director, in addition, shall at the commission's cost compile a list of known tree fruit producers producing fruit not subject to assessments of the Washington apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission and the Washington state fruit commission but subject to assessments or becoming subject to assessments under the provisions of this chapter. In compiling such list the director shall publish notice to producers of such tree fruit, requiring them to file with the director a report giving the producer's name, mailing address and orchard location. The notice shall be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in weekly or daily newspapers of general circulation in the area or areas where such tree fruit is produced. All producer reports shall be filed with the director within twenty days from the date of last publication of notice or thirty days of mailing notice to producers of such tree fruit, whichever is later. The director shall for the purpose of conducting any referendum affecting tree fruits subject to the provisions of this chapter keep such list up to date when conducting such referendum. Every person who becomes a producer after ((~~said~~)) the list is compiled shall file with the director a similar report, giving his or her name, mailing address and orchard location. Such list shall be final and conclusive in conducting referendums and failure to notify a producer shall not be cause for the invalidation of any referendum.

Sec. 136. RCW 15.26.250 and 1969 c 129 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission and Washington state fruit commission in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of costs and efforts in collecting assessments for tree fruits at the time said commissions collect assessments due under the provisions of their acts may also collect the assessment due the commission on such tree fruit. Such assessments on winter pears may be collected by the Washington state fruit commission or in a manner prescribed by the commission. Assessments collected for the commission by the Washington ((~~state~~)) apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission and the Washington state fruit commission shall be forwarded to the commissions expeditiously. No fee shall be charged the commission for the collection of assessments because the research conducted by the commission shall be of direct benefit to all commercial growers of tree fruits in the state of Washington((~~: PROVIDED, That~~)). However, the commission shall reimburse at actual cost to the department or the Washington state fruit commission or apple commission any assessment collected for the commission by such agencies for any tree fruit subject to the provisions of this chapter, but not subject to pay assessments to the Washington state fruit commission or the Washington apple ((~~advertising~~)) commission.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 137. (1) The legislature finds that a significant growth in the amount of production for several organically grown agricultural products has occurred since the program began in the mid‑1980s and that this growth is continuing. The number of acres that are now in transition from conventionally grown to organically grown agricultural products is significant. The legislature finds that there is interest by those involved in the production and marketing of organic food products to examine the feasibility and preferred method of forming a commission to assist in the promotion of organically grown products in domestic and international markets and to conduct research on improved methods of producing these products.

(2) The department of agriculture shall assist in the evaluation by organic food producers and processors of procedures that could be used to establish an organic food commission. The ability of organic food producers and processors to form a commission under the existing statutory authority in chapters 15.65 and 15.66 RCW as compared to using the procedures proposed in Senate Bill No. 6246 from the 2002 legislative session shall be evaluated.

(3) The department of agriculture shall assist in the collection of information on, and provide a forum to review current programs administered by, commodity commissions that provide benefits to organic food producers and to examine and compile the distinct needs of the organic food industry.

(4) The department of agriculture, within the limits of its currently available funds and after consultation with the organic food industry and existing commodity commissions, shall provide recommendations to the legislature by December 15, 2002, regarding legislation for the establishment of an organic food commission, and a method to fairly and equitably provide funding of commission programs.

(5) This section expires April 15, 2003.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 138. A new section is added to chapter 15.65 RCW to read as follows:

In order to ensure a viable and stable hop industry within the state of Washington and to further the policies set forth in RCW 15.65.040(2) (d) and (f), the legislature specifically recognizes that the hop commodity board has the power to enter into contracts, at its discretion, with individual producers of hops to set aside or remove from production existing planted hop acreage until such time as the need to contract with individual producers of hops is eliminated based on the adoption of a federal marketing order. This section does not limit the director's duty under RCW 15.65.600.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 139. This act takes effect July 1, 2002, except for sections 1, 15, 17, 29, 30, 39, 45, 57, 58, 137, and 138 of this act which are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately.