Bill > SB5454

This bill extends the current dairy inspection program in Washington state until June 30, 2031, by amending an existing law that imposes a small assessment on milk processors to fund dairy industry inspections. Specifically, the bill maintains a levy of up to 0.54 cents per hundredweight of milk processed, which is collected from milk processing plants and used to support an inspection program ensuring compliance with the national pasteurized milk ordinance. Milk processing plants that collect less than $20 in monthly assessments are exempted from payment, and the collected funds are deposited into the dairy inspection account within the agricultural local fund. If a milk processor fails to pay the assessment, the amount can become a lien on their property and be collected similar to delinquent taxes. The key change is simply extending the expiration date of this assessment and inspection program from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2031. The bill also includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate importance for public health and safety, with the act taking effect on June 30, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5454&Year=2025&Initiative=false