SENATE 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 Passed Senate, March 4, 2011
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: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 2/07/11 [DP, w/oRec].
Passed Senate: 3/04/11, 46-3.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hatfield, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Hobbs, Honeyford and Schoesler.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Haugen.
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
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 also promote Washington-grown hops, malting barley, and wheat.
To fund its activities, the Commission assesses affected brewers and sells beer at Commission-sponsored beer festivals.
Summary of Bill: The 100,000 barrel annual production limit on brewers assessed and represented by the Commission is deleted, enabling any state-licensed brewer to be assessed and represented by the Commission.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Small brewers represented by the Commission are no longer worried that large brewers will have overwhelming influence if they are included in Commission activities. This bill will facilitate participation by one additional Washington brewer: Redhook.
Persons Testifying: PRO: T.K. Bentler, Washington Brewers Guild.