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 the 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 within the agricultural local fund, designated solely for providing inspection services to the dairy industry.

The bill also includes provisions for the collection of unpaid assessments, which will be treated as a lien on the property of the milk processing plant operator. 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. The previous expiration date of the program was June 30, 2025, which has now been extended to 2031.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 15.36.551