2007 Agency-Request Legislation

Three agency-request bills were considered and passed by the 2007 Legislature and signed into law by the Governor.  The bills took effect on July 22, 2007.

ESB 5204   Animal Health Enforcement   Detailed Summary

Strengthens WSDA's authority to monitor compliance and enforce the animal health law.

• Clearly authorizes WSDA to stop vehicles transporting animals to check for animal health documents (required for most animals entering the state) and to impose a civil infraction fine on those not carrying the proper documents.
• Allows for civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation for violating the animal health law.
• Allows WSDA to take action on a livestock dealer license if the dealer doesn't carry proper animal health and identification documents.

Questions and Answers for Horse Owners about ESB 5204

HB 1305   Food Locker Licensing    Detailed Summary

Repeals Chapter 19.32 RCW, regulating refrigerated food lockers. At one time WSDA licensed several hundred of these facilities. Today those numbers have dropped to just 14, likely due to the shift to home freezers and the shopping and eating habits of today's consumers. This bill eliminates the requirement for a facility to be licensed as a food locker. It does not affect the department's authority to inspect a food locker or take action to protect the public from unsafe food.

HB 1311   Small Farm Direct Marketing Assistance    Detailed Summary

Removes the July 1, 2007 expiration date for RCW 15.64.050, which was enacted in 2001 and provides specific statutory direction for WSDA's Small Farm and Direct Marketing program. 

For more information, contact Jeff Canaan, Assistant to the Director, (360) 902-1918.