FINAL 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.

C 54 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Changing Washington beer commission provisions.

Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Hatfield and Hewitt.

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

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: 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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

46

3

House

92

0

Effective:

July 22, 2011.