Title: An act relating to studying the economic and social contribution of agricultural fairs to Washington state.

Brief Description: Requiring a study of the economic and social contribution of agricultural fairs to Washington state.

Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Morton, Schoesler, Jacobsen, Delvin, Mulliken and Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 2/22/05 [DPS-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5968 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Schoesler, Ranking Minority Member; Jacobsen, Morton and Sheldon.

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: Fairs and fairgrounds provide numerous benefits to local communities and the state.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Department of Agriculture must contract to conduct a study on the economic and social impact of agricultural fairs in Washington State. The study is to include statewide and local impacts of fairs on employment, business income, taxes from fair activity, civic and charitable organizations, youth development, and other business and social benefits. The study must also include needed capital improvements.

An advisory group appointed by the board of the Washington State Fairs Association will help guide the study. The study group will include a staff person with expertise in economic analysis from the Office of Financial Management, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.

The report must be submitted to the Office of Financial Management and the appropriate committees of the Legislature no later than June 30, 2006.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: Added was a provision that assistance shall be sought from the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to quantify the contribution by fairs and fairgrounds in attracting tourism to the state.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: There is a need to get a handle on what fairs do and how they contribute to the local economies and the social impact on communities. Fairs provide all kinds of youth development opportunities.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Heather Hansen, Washington State Fairs Association; Kent Hojem, Puyallup Fair; Ron Newbry; Central Washington State Fair Association.