SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6484

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.

Background: The Livestock Identification Program provides a mechanism to tract ownership of cattle and horses. Transporting cattle within the state requires that they be accompanied by specified documents which provide proof of ownership. The Department of Agriculture (AGR) has established mandatory inspection points.

Many beef cattle are branded, and many dairy cattle are unbranded. Cattle that are unbranded or that otherwise do not have sufficient documentation to prove ownership may be impounded and sold; the proceeds may be retained by AGR while an investigation is conducted. If theft is not suspected, the animal is sold and the proceeds are retained by the Director of AGR. However, the proceeds from the sale of impounded dairy breed cattle are to be paid to the seller if there is no evidence of theft.

The program has an ancillary benefit in that it can be used to aid in the traceability of livestock disease. Efforts have been ongoing for several years to develop and fund a system that allows for conversion of paper records to a computer system format.

AGR and the livestock industry have been working to develop rules to implement legislation passed in 2011. Conversations have led to requests for additional legislation.

Summary of Bill: Individual private sales of unbranded dairy breeding cattle of 15 head or less between two commercial dairy operators are exempt from mandatory livestock inspection if the cattle are not being moved out of Washington State. This exemption does not exempt the cattle sellers from paying other fees or assessments, including the Beef Commission fees and animal disease traceability fees.

AGR may not exempt payment of the fee for livestock inspection when mandatory livestock inspection is conducted.

The provision is repealed which directs that proceeds from the sale of impounded dairy breed cattle be paid to the seller if there is no evidence of theft is repealed.