Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
General Government Appropriations & Oversight Committee |
SB 5981
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. |
Brief Description: Changing seed dealer license fees.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Hatfield and Honeyford.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/22/12
Staff: Michael Bennion (786-7118).
Background:
Washington State's Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers the Seed Inspection Program, established to provide uniformity and consistency in the packaging of agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds so as to facilitate the interstate movement of seed, to protect consumers, and to provide a dispute-resolution process. Specific activities include field inspection, seed testing and analyses, phytosanitary services, seed law enforcement, other certification services, and licensing seed dealers.
WSDA field inspection staff inspect over 54,000 acres of alfalfa, beans, clover, corn, flax, turf, forage and native grasses, peas, rapeseed, woody plants and forbs, and numerous other small seeded vegetable crops. Inspections are conducted for genetic purity, pests, disease, weed contamination, and confirmation of truthful and lawful labeling of the marketed seed.
The program is partially funded through fees charged to the industry and deposited into the Agricultural Local Account. Current inspection fees vary according to type and a seed dealer license is set at $25 per applicant.
Summary of Bill:
The seed dealer license fee is increased from $25 to $125 per license.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.