The bill extends the dairy inspection program in Washington State until June 30, 2031, by amending RCW 15.36.551. It establishes an assessment on all milk processed in the state, not to exceed $0.0054 per hundredweight, which will support an inspection program to ensure compliance with the national pasteurized milk ordinance. The bill specifies that milk processing plants with a monthly assessment of less than $20 are exempt from paying the assessment for that month. Additionally, it mandates that all collected funds be deposited into a newly created dairy inspection account, which will be used exclusively for inspection services in the dairy industry.

The bill also includes a provision that if a milk processing plant operator fails to remit assessments, the owed amount will become a lien on their property and will be collected similarly to delinquent taxes. The effective date of the bill is set for June 30, 2025, and it declares an emergency, indicating the need for immediate action to preserve public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 15.36.551