HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5492

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

State Government & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to the Washington beer commission.

Brief Description: Changing Washington beer commission provisions.

Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Hatfield and Hewitt.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 3/17/11 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Removes the requirement that brewers must produce less than 100,000 barrels per year to be assessed by and represented by the Washington Beer Commission.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Condotta, Darneille, Dunshee, Hurst, McCoy and Miloscia.

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

Legislation enacted in 2006 permitted state-licensed beer brewers producing less than 100,000 barrels annually per location to create a new commodity commission if they opted to do so in a referendum process. Affected brewers subsequently voted to create the Washington Beer Commission (Commission).

With oversight by the Director of the Washington Department of Agriculture, the Commission promotes Washington beer and may conduct research, promotional, and educational campaigns. The Commission may provide beer without charge as part of its promotional activities, and producers may donate beer for this purpose. To fund its activities, the Commission assesses affected brewers and sells beer at Commission-sponsored beer festivals.

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Summary of Bill:

The 100,000 barrel annual production limit on brewers assessed and represented by the Commission is deleted.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Small brewers no longer see a threat from participation by large brewers. This bill will allow Redhook Brewery to participate.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Schoesler, prime sponsor; and T.K. Bentler, Washington Brewers Guild.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.