Brief Description: Repealing the statutes regulating food lockers.

Sponsors: Representatives Kretz, Warnick, Hailey, McCoy, Newhouse and Haler; by request of Department of Agriculture.

Hearing Date: 2/1/07

Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).

Background:

Refrigerated food storage lockers are facilities that offer to the public, for rent or other compensation separate compartments for the cold storage and preservation of human food. Since 1943, operators of refrigerated food storage lockers have been licensed and regulated by the state. A facility seeking a license must be inspected by the Department of Agriculture (Department) and, if approved, the Department of Licensing will then issue the facility a refrigerated locker license for a $10 fee. Licenses are renewed annually for $10 and the proceeds are deposited to the State General Fund. People who work in these facilities must have a health certificate from an accredited physician. The Department conducts a periodic inspection of each licensed establishment and the Department's director has the authority to suspend or revoke licenses for unsanitary or improper operation.

According to the Department, in prior years, one or more refrigerated locker facilities operated in every city, and licenses were issued to several hundred facilities. However, as of July 2006, there were 14 refrigerated locker licensees in the state. Half of these were also licensed and therefore inspected by the Department as food storage warehouses, custom meat facilities, or food processors.

Summary of Bill:

The statutes that require separate licensing and regulation of refrigerated food storage lockers are repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.