WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 5454

Extending the dairy inspection program until June 30, 2031.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 7 co-sponsors

Extends and funds Washington’s dairy inspection program through June 30, 2031, via a per‑cwt assessment on milk processors to ensure PMO‑compliant inspections.

Senate Rules "X" file.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5454

Summary: SB 5454 — Extending the Dairy Inspection Program to June 30, 2031

Purpose and intent

SB 5454 would extend and fund Washington’s dairy inspection program through June 30, 2031. The measure updates the existing statutory framework to ensure continued compliance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) administered by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments. The bill is framed as an emergency measure necessary to preserve public health, with a broad objective of maintaining ongoing inspection services for the dairy industry.

Key provisions

  • Funding mechanism: Establishes an assessment on all milk processed in the state, set not to exceed 0.54 cents per hundredweight (0.54¢/cwt). The director would determine, by rule, the exact assessment level with contributions from the General Fund to support the inspection program.
  • Who pays: Assessments are levied on the operator of the first milk processing plant that receives milk for processing, including plants that produce their own milk or those receiving milk from other sources.
  • Exemption: Plants with monthly assessments totaling less than $20 in a given month are exempt from paying that month.
  • Timing and deposits: Operators must remit payments to the director by the 20th day of the month following the month of assessment. Funds are deposited into the dairy inspection account within the Agricultural Local Fund (RCW 43.23.230) and used solely to provide dairy inspection services.
  • Enforcement: If an operator fails to remit, the unpaid amount becomes a lien on the operator’s property and may be collected with the same priority as delinquent taxes, under specified tax collection chapters (RCW 84.60 and 84.64).
  • Duration: The current statutory authority (RCW 15.36.551) is amended to expire on June 30, 2031 (previously 2025).
  • Effective date and emergency clause: The act includes an emergency clause and takes effect June 30, 2025, reflecting its immediate relevance to public health and state operations.

Affected entities and impact

  • Dairy processors: Primary financial impact on first-receiving milk processing plants through the per‑cwt assessment (with a $20 monthly exemption threshold). The program’s funding is tied to their milk processing operations.
  • Dairy inspection program: Continues to be funded and operated to ensure PMO compliance; funds are restricted to inspection services.
  • State and public health: Maintains ongoing dairy inspections, supporting public health protections and regulatory compliance within the dairy sector.

Timeline and procedural status

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • First reading: January 23, 2025
  • Public hearing: February 10, 2025 (Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources)
  • Executive action (ANR): February 20, 2025 (majority; do pass)
  • Passed to Rules: February 21, 2025
  • Senate Rules “X” file: March 17, 2025
  • Status: Senate Rules “X” file (pending final floor action)

Notes

  • The bill integrates an emergency declaration to support immediate implementation.
  • It amends RCW 15.36.551 and references related statutory provisions for fund management and tax-like collection mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.