SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5143
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks, January 26, 2023
Title: An act relating to changing the name and membership of the commission on pesticide registration.
Brief Description: Changing the name and membership of the commission on pesticide registration. [Revised for 1st Substitute: Changing the name of and adding a member to the commission on pesticide registration.]
Sponsors: Senators Torres, Dhingra, Rolfes, Salda?a, Shewmake and Warnick.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/19/23, 1/26/23 [DPS, w/oRec].
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill
  • Changes the name of the Commission on Pesticide Registration (Commission) to the Commission on Pest Management. 
  • Adds a representative of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, as a non-voting member of the Commission.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5143 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Van De Wege, Chair; Muzzall, Ranking Member; Shewmake, Short, Stanford, Wagoner and Warnick.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Salomon, Vice Chair; Rolfes.
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background:

In 1995, the Commission on Pesticide Registration (Commission) was created to conduct studies concerning the registration of pesticides for minor crops and minor uses and the availability of pesticides for emergency uses, and establish a program for tracking the availability of pesticides for such crops and uses. Minor crops and minor uses are for crops and uses considered to be minor in the national context of registering pesticides.


The Commission also assists agricultural organizations in providing funding; in-kind services; or materials for research, implementation, and demonstration of any aspect of integrated pest management and pesticide resistance management programs.

 

The Commission is made up of 12 voting members appointed by the director of the Department of Agriculture. The Commission includes eight members from various agricultural industries, including tree fruit growers, hop growers, potato growers, wheat growers, vegetable and seed growers, berry growers, wine grape growers, and the nursery and landscape industry. The Commission also includes members from the forest protection industry, food processors, agricultural chemical industry, and professional pesticide applicators. There are also five non-voting members representing state agencies including the Washington State departments of Agriculture, Health, Ecology, and Labor and Industries as well as Washington State University.
Summary of Bill (First Substitute):

The name of the Commission is changed to the Commission on Pest Management.  A representative of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, who has working knowledge of federal pesticide policy issues is added as a non-voting member of the Commission.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS COMMITTEE (First Substitute):
  • Amends the title to specify that a member is added to the Commission.
  • Changes the name of the Commission on Pesticide Registration to be the Commission on Pest Management.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill:

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO:  The name change in this bill makes it more consistent with the work and purpose of the commission, as the solutions to pest-control issues are not always pesticides. The Commission does not register pesticides, but they direct research on integrated pest management.  Additionally, the inclusion of a non-voting federal representative member on the board will ensure consistent management between the federal government and the state. The Commission plays a vital role in funding research to find pest management solutions. Changing the name better reflects the funding priorities and overall goals of the Commission.  There is value in adding EPA as a nonvoting member. 
 
OTHER:  There is support for the name change.  The Commission does not want its mission changed and this bill may not be narrow enough.  There is concern that the name change and board member addition may unintentionally change the Commission’s mission.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Nikki Torres, Prime Sponsor; Kelly McLain, Washington State Department of Agriculture.
OTHER: Matthew Blua, Chair - Washington State Commission on Pesticide Registration.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.