Bill > HB1553

This bill extends the existing dairy inspection program in Washington State until June 30, 2031, by amending a current law that levies an assessment on milk processing. Specifically, the bill maintains a current assessment of up to 0.54 cents per hundredweight of milk processed, which is collected from milk processing plant operators to support an inspection program ensuring compliance with the national pasteurized milk ordinance. The assessment is waived for milk processing plants that collect less than $20 in monthly assessments, and the collected funds are deposited into the dairy inspection account within the agricultural local fund. The funds can only be used for dairy industry inspection services, and if a processing plant fails to pay the assessment, the unpaid amount can become a lien on the plant operator's property, collectible similar to delinquent taxes. The bill also includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate importance for public health and safety, with an effective date of June 30, 2025.