HB 2073 — Concerning the beef commission.

H-1507.2HOUSEENGROSSED HOUSE BILL 2073State of Washington65th Legislature2017 Regular SessionBy Representatives Dent and BuysRead first time 02/10/17.

The Washington state beef commission is part of an existing comprehensive system to regulate and promote beef and beef products.(2) That the primary focus of the beef commission mustshall include the following responsibilitiesresponsibilities:(a) in priority order:(a) The beef industry is to be promoted in a manner that showcases the varied aspects and segments of the industry;(b) Research, education, and programs related to health and diseasesafety control of beef are to be advanced in cooperation with the Washington state department of agriculture, Washington State University, other institutions of higher learning as appropriate, and other governmental or nongovernmental organizations doing research on trade or health issues;(c) Support is to be provided to the beef industry in establishing orderly, fair, sound, efficient, and unhampered marketing, grading, and standardizing of beef and beef products;

Those restrictions may impair the beef producer's ability to compete in local, domestic, and foreign markets;(4) That it is in the overriding public interest that support for the beef industry be clearly expressed, that adequate protection be given to agricultural commodities, uses, activities, and operations, and that beef and beef products be promoted individually, and as part of a comprehensive industry to:(a) Enhance the reputation and image of Washington state's agriculture industry;(b) Increase the sale and use of beef products in local, domestic, and foreign markets;(c) Protect the public by educating the public in reference to ((the)) animalsustainable health,stewardship of cattle and the environment, quality, care, and methods used in the production of beef and beef products, and in reference to the various cuts and grades of beef and the uses to which each should be put;(d) Increase the knowledge of the health-giving qualities and dietetic value of beef products;

and(e) Support and engage in programs or activities that benefit the healthcare and well-being of the cattle, and the production, handling, processing, marketing, and uses of beef and beef products;(5) That this chapter is enacted in the exercise of the police powers of this state for the purpose of protecting the health, peace, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state;

On such years and in such event the state auditor is unable to audit the records, books, and accounts within six months following the close of the audit period it shall be mandatory that the commission employ a private auditor to make such audit;(12) To sue and be sued as a commission, without individual liability for acts of the commission within the scope of the powers conferred upon it by this chapter;(13) To cooperate with any other local, state, or national commission, organization, or agency, whether voluntary or established by state or federal law, including recognized livestock groups, engaged in work or activities similar to the work and activities of the commission created by this chapter and make contracts and agreements with such organizations or agencies for carrying on joint programs beneficial to the beef industry and tosustainable thestewardship health of cattle;(14) To accept grants, donations, contributions, or gifts from any governmental agency or private source for expenditures for any purpose consistent with the provisions of this chapter;

((and))(b) The establishment, effectuation, and administration of research, education, and programs related to health and diseasesafety control of beefcattle, beef, and beef products;

and(c) The establishment and effectuation of market research projects, market development projects, or ((both)) industry specific educational projects to the end that the marketing and utilization of its affected commodities may be encouraged, expanded, improved, or made more efficient.(2) The director shall review the commission's advertising or promotion program to ensure that no false claims are being made concerning its affected commodities.(3) The commission, prior to the beginning of its fiscal year, shall prepare and submit to the director for approval its research plan, its commodity-related education and training plan, and its budget on a fiscal period basis.(4) The director shall ((strive to)) review and make a determination of all submissions described in this section in a timely manner.Sec. 4.  RCW 16.67.110 and 2000 c 146 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:The commission shall provide for programs designed to maintainsupport healthysustainable stewardship of cattle throughoutand the industry;environment;

and (b) to develop materials, education, and programs related to health and diseasesafety control of beef and beef products;(3)products and the sustainable stewardship of cattle and the environment;(3) Make grants to research agencies for financing studies((, including funds for the purchase or acquisition of equipments and facilities, in problems of)) related to beef health, beef production, processing, handling, and marketing, which may include funds for the acquisition of equipment and facilities;(4) Disseminate reliable information founded upon the research undertaken under this chapter or otherwise available;(5) Provide for rate studies and participate in rate hearings connected with problems of beef production, processing, handling or marketing;

The budget must explain any major changes to financial policy and contain an outline of the proposed financial policies of the commission for the ensuing fiscal period and describe performance indicators that demonstrate measurable progress toward the commission's priorities.(2) The budget must be sufficiently detailed to provide transparency for the commission's actions on behalf of the industry.---industry.(3) The commission must submit to the legislature a concise yet detailed report of the commission's activities and expenditures after the completion of each fiscal year.--- END ---