SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1435

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Agriculture, March 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to the fruit and vegetable district fund.

Brief Description: Concerning the fruit and vegetable district fund.

Sponsors: Representatives Armstrong, Linville, Schoesler, McDermott, Hinkle, Wood, Newhouse, Grant, Quall, Holmquist and Condotta.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture: 3/27/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Swecker, Chair; Brandland, Vice Chair; Jacobsen, Rasmussen and Sheahan.

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: The Department of Agriculture inspects fruits and vegetables and collects inspection fees. The fees are placed into a fruit and vegetable district fund for use in the region that the inspections are performed.

In 1997, legislation was first enacted that authorized a transfer of $200,000 in District Number Two funds derived from fees collected from the inspection of tree fruits to the Plant Pest Account for activities related to apple maggot control. Funds from this transfer that are unexpended by June 30, 2003, are to be returned to the district fund.

Summary of Bill: The date by which monies transferred from the fund of District Number Two must be expended from the Plant Pest Account for apple maggot control activities or be returned to the district fund is extended by two years to June 30, 2005.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For: Standby funding is needed in case apple maggots were to be found in regions growing commercial apples.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Leslie Emerick, WSDA (pro).