reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.157 - When commodity commission is terminated—Duties of affected commodity commission.

RCW 15.66.157
When commodity commission is terminated—Duties of affected commodity commission.
If after complying with the procedures outlined in this chapter and a referendum proposal to terminate a commodity commission is assented to, the affected commodity commission shall:
(1) Document the details of all measures undertaken to terminate the commodity commission and identify and document all closing costs;
(2) Contact the office of the state auditor and arrange for a final audit of the commission. Payment for the audit shall be from commission funds and identified in the budget for closing costs;
(3) Provide for the reimbursement to affected producers of moneys collected by assessment. Reimbursement shall be made to those considered affected producers over the previous three-year time frame on a pro rata basis and at a percent commensurate with their volume of production over the previous three-year period unless a different time period is specified in the marketing order. If the commodity commission finds that the amounts of moneys are so small as to make impractical the computation and remitting of the pro rata refund, the moneys shall be paid into the state treasury as unclaimed trust moneys; and
(4) Transfer all remaining files to the department for storage and archiving, as appropriate.
[ 2002 c 313 § 60.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.160 - Annual assessments—Disposition of revenue.

RCW 15.66.160
Annual assessments—Disposition of revenue.
Moneys collected by any commodity commission pursuant to any marketing order from any assessment for marketing purposes or as an advance deposit thereon shall be used by the commission only for the purpose of paying for the costs or expenses arising in connection with carrying out the purposes and provisions of such agreement or order.
Upon the termination of any marketing order any and all moneys remaining with the commodity commission operating under that marketing order and not required to defray expenses or repay obligations incurred by that commission shall be returned to the affected producers in proportion to the assessments paid by each in the two year period preceding the date of the termination order.
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.66.160. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.170 - Annual assessments—Payments—Civil action to enforce.

RCW 15.66.170
Annual assessments—Payments—Civil action to enforce.
Any due and payable assessment herein levied, and every sum due under any marketing order in a specified amount shall constitute a personal debt of every person so assessed or who otherwise owes the same, and the same shall be due and payable to the commission when payment is called for by the commission. In the event any person fails to pay the full amount of such assessment or such other sum on or before the date due, the commission may add to such unpaid assessment or sum an amount not exceeding ten percent of the same to defray the cost of enforcing the collecting of the same. In the event of failure of such person or persons to pay any such due and payable assessment or other such sum, the commission may bring a civil action against such person or persons in a state court of competent jurisdiction for the collection thereof, together with the above specified ten percent thereon, and such action shall be tried and judgment rendered as in any other cause of action for debt due and payable.
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.66.170. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 17.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.180 - Expenditure of funds collected.

RCW 15.66.180
Expenditure of funds collected.
All moneys which are collected or otherwise received pursuant to each marketing order created under this chapter shall be used solely by and for the commodity commission concerned and shall not be used for any other commission, nor the department except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Such moneys shall be deposited in a separate account or accounts in the name of the individual commission in any bank which is a state depositary. All expenses and disbursements incurred and made pursuant to the provisions of any marketing order shall be paid from moneys collected and received pursuant to such order without the necessity of a specific legislative appropriation and all moneys deposited for the account of any order shall be paid from said account by check or voucher in such form and in such manner and upon the signature of such person as may be prescribed by the commission. None of the provisions of RCW 43.01.050 shall be applicable to any such account or any moneys so received, collected or expended.
[ 2002 c 313 § 61; 1961 c 11 § 15.66.180. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 18.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.185 - Investment of agricultural commodity commission funds in savings or time deposits of banks, trust companies, and mutual savings banks.

RCW 15.66.185
Investment of agricultural commodity commission funds in savings or time deposits of banks, trust companies, and mutual savings banks.
(1) Any funds of any agricultural commodity commission may be invested in savings or time deposits in banks, trust companies, and mutual savings banks that are doing business in the United States, up to the amount of insurance afforded such accounts by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
(2) This section shall apply to all funds which may be lawfully so invested, which in the judgment of any agricultural commodity commission are not required for immediate expenditure. The authority granted by this section is not exclusive and shall be construed to be cumulative and in addition to other authority provided by law for the investment of such funds, including, but not limited to, authority granted under chapters 39.58, 39.59, and 43.84 RCW.
[ 2003 c 396 § 3; 2002 c 313 § 62; 1967 ex.s. c 54 § 2. Formerly RCW 30.04.370.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2003 c 396: See note following RCW 15.66.030.
Effective dates—2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.190 - Official bonds required.

RCW 15.66.190
Official bonds required.
Every administrator, employee or other person occupying a position of trust under any marketing order and every member actually handling or drawing upon funds shall give a bond in such penal amount as may be required by the affected commission or by the order, the premium for which bond or bonds shall be paid by the commission.
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.66.190. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 19.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.200 - Petition for modification or exemption—Hearing—Appeal from ruling.

RCW 15.66.200
Petition for modification or exemption—Hearing—Appeal from ruling.
An affected producer subject to a marketing order may file a written petition with the director stating that the order, agreement, or program or any part thereof is not in accordance with the law, and requesting a modification thereof or exemption therefrom. He or she shall thereupon be given a hearing, which hearing shall be conducted in the manner provided by RCW 15.66.070, and thereafter the director shall make his or her ruling which shall be final.
Appeal from any ruling of the director may be taken to the superior court of the county in which the petitioner resides or has his or her principal place of business, by serving upon the director a copy of the notice of appeal and complaint within twenty days from the date of entry of the ruling. Upon such application the court may proceed in accordance with RCW 7.16.010 through 7.16.140. If the court determines that the ruling is not in accordance with law, it shall remand the proceedings to the director with directions to make such ruling as the court determines to be in accordance with law or to take such further proceedings as in its opinion are required by this chapter.
[ 2010 c 8 § 6093; 1961 c 11 § 15.66.200. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.210 - Unlawful acts—Penalties—Injunctions—Investigations.

RCW 15.66.210
Unlawful acts—Penalties—Injunctions—Investigations.
It shall be a misdemeanor for:
(1) Any person wilfully to violate any provision of this chapter or any provision of any marketing order duly issued by the director pursuant to this chapter.
(2) Any person wilfully to render or furnish a false or fraudulent report, statement of record required by the director or any commission pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or any provision of any marketing order duly issued by the director pursuant to this chapter or wilfully to fail or refuse to furnish or render any such report, statement, or record so required.
In the event of violation or threatened violation of any provision of this chapter or of any marketing order duly issued or entered into pursuant to this chapter, the director, the affected commission, or any affected producer on joining the affected commission, shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent further violation and to a decree of specific performance of such order, and to a temporary restraining order and injunction pending litigation upon filing a verified complaint and sufficient bond.
All persons subject to any order shall severally from time to time, upon the request of the director, furnish him or her with such information as he or she finds to be necessary to enable him or her to effectuate the policies of this chapter and the purposes of such order or to ascertain and determine the extent to which such order has been carried out or has effectuated such policies and purposes, or to determine whether or not there has been any abuse of the privilege of exemptions from laws relating to trusts, monopolies, and restraints of trade. Such information shall be furnished in accordance with forms and reports to be prescribed by the director. For the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any report made to the director pursuant to this section or for the purpose of obtaining the information required in any such report where it has been requested and has not been furnished, the director is authorized to examine such books, papers, records, copies of tax reports, accounts, correspondence, contracts, documents, or memoranda as he or she deems relevant and which are within the control of any such person from whom such report was requested, or of any person having, either directly or indirectly, actual or legal control of or over such person or such records, or of any subsidiary of any such person. To carry out the purposes of this section the director, upon giving due notice, may hold hearings, take testimony, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and issue subpoenas for the production of books, records, documents, or other writings of any kind, and RCW 15.66.070 shall apply with respect to any such hearing, together with such other regulations consistent therewith as the director may from time to time prescribe.
[ 2010 c 8 § 6094; 1961 c 11 § 15.66.210. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 21.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.220 - Compliance with chapter a defense in any action.

RCW 15.66.220
Compliance with chapter a defense in any action.
In any civil or criminal action or proceeding for violation of any rule of [or] statutory or common law against monopolies or combinations in restraint of trade, proof that the act complained of was done in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or a marketing order issued under this chapter, and in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this chapter, shall be a complete defense to such action or proceeding.
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.66.220. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 22.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.230 - Liability of commission, state, etc.

RCW 15.66.230
Liability of commission, state, etc.
Obligations incurred by any commission and any other liabilities or claims against the commission shall be enforced only against the assets of such commission in the same manner as if it were a corporation and no liability for the debts or actions of the commission shall exist against either the state of Washington or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof or against any other commission established pursuant to this chapter or the assets thereof or against any member officer, employee, or agent of the board in his or her individual capacity. The members of any such commission, including employees of such board, shall not be held responsible individually in any way whatsoever to any person for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, either of commission or omission, as principal, agent, person, or employee, except for their own individual acts of dishonesty or crime. No such person or employee shall be held responsible individually for any act or omission of any other member of any such commission. The liability of the members of such commission shall be several and not joint and no member shall be liable for the default of any other member.
[ 2010 c 8 § 6095; 1961 c 11 § 15.66.230. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 23.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.245 - Marketing agreement or order—Authority for participation in proceedings concerning regulation of pesticides or agricultural chemicals.

RCW 15.66.245
Marketing agreement or order—Authority for participation in proceedings concerning regulation of pesticides or agricultural chemicals.
Any marketing agreement or order may authorize the members of a commodity commission, or their agents or designees, to participate in federal or state hearings or other proceedings concerning regulation of the manufacture, distribution, sale, or use of any pesticide as defined by RCW 15.58.030 or any agricultural chemical which is of use or potential use in producing the affected commodity. Any marketing agreement or order may authorize the expenditure of commodity commission funds for this purpose.
[ 2011 c 103 § 9; 2002 c 313 § 63; 1988 c 54 § 2.]
NOTES:
Purpose—2011 c 103: See note following RCW 15.26.120.
Effective dates—2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.250 - Price fixing and product limiting prohibited.

RCW 15.66.250
Price fixing and product limiting prohibited.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall permit fixing of prices not otherwise permitted by law or any limitation on production and no marketing order or agreement or any rule or regulation thereunder shall contain any such provisions.
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.66.250. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.260 - Costs of conducting nominations and elections—Reimbursement.

RCW 15.66.260
Costs of conducting nominations and elections—Reimbursement.
The department shall be reimbursed for actual costs incurred in conducting nominations and elections for members of any commodity commission established under the provisions of this chapter. Such reimbursement shall be made from the funds of the commission for which the nominations and elections were conducted by the director.
[ 2002 c 313 § 64; 1969 c 66 § 2; 1961 c 11 § 15.66.260. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 26.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.263 - Costs of implementing RCW 15.66.141.

RCW 15.66.263
Costs of implementing RCW 15.66.141.
The costs incurred by the department of agriculture that are associated with the implementation of RCW 15.66.141 shall be paid for by the affected commodity commissions.
[ 2003 c 396 § 8.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2003 c 396: See note following RCW 15.66.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.270 - Exempt commissions—Marketing agreements and orders.

RCW 15.66.270
Exempt commissions—Marketing agreements and orders.
This chapter does not apply to any provision of the statutes of the state of Washington relating to the Washington apple commission (chapter 15.24 RCW), to the soft tree fruits commission (chapter 15.28 RCW), to the dairy products commission (chapter 15.44 RCW), or to the Washington grain commission (chapter 15.115 RCW). Marketing agreements or orders shall not be issued with respect to apples, soft tree fruits, dairy products, or wheat or barley for the purposes specified in RCW 15.66.030 (1) or (2).
[ 2009 c 33 § 35; 2007 c 234 § 100; 1961 c 11 § 15.66.270. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 27.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.275 - Applicability of chapter to state agencies or other governmental units.

RCW 15.66.275
Applicability of chapter to state agencies or other governmental units.
The provisions of this chapter and any marketing order established thereunder shall be applicable to any state agency or other governmental unit engaged in the production for sale of any agricultural commodity subject to such marketing order, especially those relating to RCW 15.66.150 concerning assessments. Such assessments shall be paid by the state agency or governmental agency made subject to the marketing order from the proceeds derived from the sale of said agricultural commodities.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 55 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.280 - Restrictive provisions of chapter 43.19 RCW not applicable to promotional printing and literature of commissions.

RCW 15.66.280
Restrictive provisions of chapter 43.19 RCW not applicable to promotional printing and literature of commissions.
The restrictive provisions of chapter 43.19 RCW shall not apply to promotional printing and literature for any commission formed under this chapter.
[ 2015 c 225 § 11; 1972 ex.s. c 112 § 5.]
NOTES:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.66 - Washington State Agricultural Commodity Commissions. › 15.66.900 - Short title.

RCW 15.66.900
Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Washington Agricultural Enabling Act."
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.66.900. Prior: 1955 c 191 § 29.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.70 - Rural Rehabilitation. › 15.70.010 - Director may receive federal funds for rural rehabilitation corporation.

RCW 15.70.010
Director may receive federal funds for rural rehabilitation corporation.
The director of the state department of agriculture is hereby designated as the state official of the state of Washington to make application to and receive from the secretary of agriculture of the United States, or any other proper federal official, pursuant and subject to the provisions of public law 499, 81st congress, approved May 3, 1950, the trust assets, either funds or property, held by the United States as trustee in behalf of the Washington rural rehabilitation corporation.
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.70.010. Prior: 1951 c 169 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.70 - Rural Rehabilitation. › 15.70.020 - Director may delegate certain powers to secretary of agriculture.

RCW 15.70.020
Director may delegate certain powers to secretary of agriculture.
The director of agriculture is authorized, in his or her discretion, to enter into agreements with the secretary of agriculture of the United States pursuant to section 2(f) of the aforesaid act of the congress of the United States, upon such terms and conditions and for such periods of time as may be mutually agreeable, authorizing the secretary of agriculture of the United States to accept, administer, expend, and use in the state of Washington all or any part of such trust assets or any other funds of the state of Washington which may be appropriated for such uses for carrying out the purposes of titles I and II of the Bankhead-Jones farm tenant act, in accordance with the applicable provisions of title IV thereof, as now or hereafter amended, and to do any and all things necessary to effectuate and carry out the purposes of said agreements.
[ 2010 c 8 § 6097; 1961 c 11 § 15.70.020. Prior: 1951 c 169 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.70 - Rural Rehabilitation. › 15.70.030 - Deposit and use of funds.

RCW 15.70.030
Deposit and use of funds.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, funds and the proceeds of the trust assets which are not authorized to be administered by the secretary of agriculture of the United States under the provisions of RCW 15.70.020 shall be received by the director of agriculture and by him or her deposited with the treasurer of the state. Such funds are hereby appropriated and may be expended or obligated by the director of agriculture for the purposes of RCW 15.70.020 or for use by the director of agriculture for such of the rural rehabilitation purposes permissible under the charter of the now dissolved Washington rural rehabilitation corporation as may from time to time be agreed upon by the director of agriculture and the secretary of agriculture of the United States, subject to the applicable provisions of said public law 499.
[ 2010 c 8 § 6098; 1961 c 11 § 15.70.030. Prior: 1951 c 169 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.70 - Rural Rehabilitation. › 15.70.040 - Powers of director—In general.

RCW 15.70.040
Powers of director—In general.
The director of agriculture is authorized and empowered to:
(1) Collect, compromise, adjust, or cancel claims and obligations arising out of or administered under this chapter or under any mortgage, lease, contract, or agreement entered into or administered pursuant to this chapter and if, in his or her judgment, necessary and advisable, pursue the same to final collection in any court having jurisdiction;
(2) Bid for and purchase at any execution, foreclosure, or other sale, or otherwise to acquire property upon which the director of agriculture has a lien by reason of judgment or execution, or which is pledged, mortgaged, conveyed, or which otherwise secures any loan or other indebtedness owing to or acquired by the director of agriculture under this chapter; and
(3) Accept title to any property so purchased or acquired; to operate or lease such property for such period as may be deemed necessary to protect the investment therein; and to sell or otherwise dispose of such property in a manner consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
The authority herein contained may be delegated to the secretary of agriculture of the United States with respect to funds or assets authorized to be administered and used by him or her under agreements entered into pursuant to RCW 15.70.020.
[ 2010 c 8 § 6099; 1961 c 11 § 15.70.040. Prior: 1951 c 169 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.70 - Rural Rehabilitation. › 15.70.050 - No liability as to United States.

RCW 15.70.050
No liability as to United States.
The United States and the secretary of agriculture thereof, shall be held free from liability by virtue of the transfer of the assets to the director of agriculture of the state of Washington pursuant to this chapter.
[ 1961 c 11 § 15.70.050. Prior: 1951 c 169 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.005 - Legislative purpose.

RCW 15.74.005
Legislative purpose.
The legislature recognizes that the economic base of the state of Washington is directly tied to the development and management of forest industries and that efforts to enhance and promote the recognition and expansion of the hardwoods industry should be coordinated between state and federal agencies, the forest products industry, commissions, institutions of higher education, and other entities. The legislature further recognizes that the development of hardwood forests and hardwood products will require multispecie, sustained-yield management plans for industrial and nonindustrial timber tracts, the development of products and markets for all grades of hardwoods, a stable and predictable tax program for new and existing firms and financial assistance for the attraction and expansion of new and existing hardwood processing facilities. The legislature also recognizes that the welfare of the citizens of the state of Washington require, as a public purpose, a continuing effort toward the full utilization of hardwood forests and the hardwood products industry.
[ 1990 c 142 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.010 - Commission created.

RCW 15.74.010
Commission created.
In recognition of the findings and purposes in RCW 15.74.005, there is created the Washington hardwoods commission, which is created solely for the purposes set forth in this chapter. The commission shall be comprised of seven members. All members shall be members of the hardwood industry. All members shall initially be appointed by the governor and shall be appointed to staggered terms. Three members shall be appointed for a two-year term, two members to a three-year term, and two members to a four-year term. The hardwoods commission shall, by January 1, 1991, develop a method of electing board members to replace the appointed members. Each board member shall serve until the election of his or her successor. Five voting members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business of the commission. Each member of the commission shall be a resident of the state and over the age of twenty-one.
[ 1990 c 142 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.020 - Commission authority.

RCW 15.74.020
Commission authority.
The commission shall have the power, duty, and responsibility to assist in the retention, expansion, and attraction of hardwood-related industries by creating a climate for development and support of the industry. The commission shall coordinate efforts to enhance and promote the expansion of the forest industry among state and federal agencies, industry organizations, and institutions of higher education. The commission shall have the power and duty to develop products and markets for various species and grades of hardwoods, and to study and recommend a tax program that will attract new firms and promote stability for existing firms. The commission shall also have as its duty the development of an enhancement and protection program that will reduce waste and respect environmental sensitivity. The commission will develop financial assistance programs from public and private moneys for attraction and expansion of new and existing primary, secondary, and tertiary processing facilities. It is also appropriate that the commission utilize recognized experts in educational institutions, public and private foundations, and agencies of the state, to facilitate research into economic development, hardwood silviculture, woodland management, and the development of new products. The commission will also work cooperatively with the department of natural resources in the development of best management practices for hardwood resources.
[ 1990 c 142 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.030 - Commission management.

RCW 15.74.030
Commission management.
The commission shall have the power to elect a chair and such officers as the commission deems necessary and advisable. The commission shall elect a treasurer who shall be responsible for all receipts and disbursements by the commission. The treasurer's faithful discharge of duties shall be guaranteed by a bond at the sole expense of the commission. The commission shall adopt rules for its governance, which shall provide for the holding of an annual meeting for the election of officers and the transaction of other business and for such other meetings as the commission may direct. The commission shall do all things reasonably necessary to effect the purposes of this chapter. The commission shall have no legislative power. The commission may employ and discharge managers, secretaries, agents, attorneys, and other employees or staff, and may engage the services of independent contractors, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation. Each member of the board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses at the rates allowed state employees in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
[ 1991 c 67 § 1; 1990 c 142 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.040 - Financial requirements.

RCW 15.74.040
Financial requirements.
The commission shall maintain an account with one or more public depositaries, and may deposit moneys in the depositary and expend moneys for purposes authorized by this chapter in the form of drafts made by the commission. The commission shall keep accurate records of all receipts, disbursements, and other financial transactions in accordance with generally accepted principles of accounting, available for audit by the state auditor.
[ 1990 c 142 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.050 - Obligations, liabilities, and claims.

RCW 15.74.050
Obligations, liabilities, and claims.
Obligations incurred by the commission and liabilities or claims against the commission shall be enforced only against the assets of the commission in the same manner as if it were a corporation and no liability for the debts or actions of the commission shall exist against either the state of Washington or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof or against any member, officer, employee, or agent of the commission in his or her individual capacity. The members of the commission, including employees of the commission, shall not be held responsible in any way whatsoever to any person for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, either of commission or omission, as principle, agent, person, or employees, except for their own individual acts of dishonesty or crime. No such person or employee shall be held responsible individually for any act or omission of any other members of the commission.
[ 1990 c 142 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.060 - Assessments—Adjustment for inflation.

RCW 15.74.060
Assessments—Adjustment for inflation.
To provide for permanent funding of the Washington hardwoods commission, agricultural commodity assessments shall be levied by the commission on processors of hardwoods.
An assessment is hereby levied on hardwood processors operating within the state of Washington. The assessment shall be based on the hardwood processor's production per calendar quarter. The assessment shall be four cents per ton produced.
The commission may develop by rule formulas for converting other units of measure to tons of production for determining the appropriate production per calendar quarter. The assessment shall be calculated based upon calendar quarters. Beginning July 1, 2019, and every July 1st thereafter, the assessment must be adjusted to reflect the percentage change in the implicit price deflator for personal consumption expenditures for the United States as published for the most recent twelve-month period by the bureau of economic analysis of the federal department of commerce by September 25th of the year before the assessments are payable.
[ 2018 c 71 § 1; 1991 c 67 § 3; 1990 c 142 § 7.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2018 c 71: "This act takes effect July 1, 2018." [ 2018 c 71 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.74 - Hardwoods Commission. › 15.74.070 - Assessments—Failure to pay.

RCW 15.74.070
Assessments—Failure to pay.
Any due and payable assessment levied under this chapter in such specified amount as may be determined by the commission shall constitute a personal debt of every person so assessed or who otherwise owes the same, and the same shall be due and payable to the commission when payment is called for by the commission. In the event any person fails to pay the commission the full amount of such assessment or such other sum on or before the date due, the commission may, and is hereby authorized to, add to such unpaid assessment or sum an amount not exceeding ten percent of the same to defray the cost of enforcing the collecting of the same. In the event of failure of such person or persons to pay any such due and payable assessment or other such sum, the commission may bring a civil action against such person or persons in a court of competent jurisdiction for the collection thereof, together with the above specified ten percent thereon, and such action shall be tried and judgment rendered as in any other cause of action for debt due and payable.
[ 1991 c 67 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.100 - Declaration of public interest—Allocation of state funds authorized.

RCW 15.76.100
Declaration of public interest—Allocation of state funds authorized.
It is hereby declared that it is in the public interest to hold agricultural fairs, including the exhibition of livestock and agricultural produce of all kinds, as well as related arts and manufactures; including products of the farm home and educational contest, displays, and demonstrations designed to train youth and to promote the welfare of farm people and rural economic development. Fairs qualifying hereunder shall be eligible for allocations from the state fair fund and for capital funding when appropriated to the department of agriculture, as provided in this chapter.
[ 2018 c 280 § 1; 2012 c 221 § 1; 1961 c 61 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.110 - Definitions.

RCW 15.76.110
Definitions.
(1) "Agricultural fair" means a fair or exhibition which is intended to promote agriculture and support rural economic development by including a balanced variety of exhibits of livestock and agricultural products, as well as related arts and manufactures; including products of the farm home and educational contests, displays, and demonstrations designed to train youth and to promote the welfare of farm people and rural living.
(2) "Department" means the state department of agriculture.
(3) "Director" means the director of agriculture.
(4) "Commission" means the fairs commission created by this chapter.
(5) "State allocations" means allocations from the state fair fund.
[ 2018 c 280 § 2; 2012 c 221 § 2; 1961 c 61 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.120 - Categories of fairs.

RCW 15.76.120
Categories of fairs.
The following categories of agricultural fairs held in the state may be eligible for state allocations:
(1) Area fairs, which serve an area larger than one county; have both open and junior participation and an extensive diversification of classes, displays, and exhibits; and are not under county commissioner jurisdiction;
(2) County fairs, organized to serve the interests of single counties; have both open and junior participation but not as extensive diversification of classes, displays, and exhibits as area fairs; and are under county commissioner jurisdiction. An individual county must have no more than one county fair, but the county commissioners of two or more counties, by resolution, may jointly sponsor a county or district fair as limited by RCW 36.37.050;
(3) Community fairs, which serve an area smaller than area or county fairs and have either or both open or junior classes, displays, or exhibits. There may be more than one community fair in a county; and
(4) Youth shows and fairs, which serve three or more counties, have the purpose of educating and training rural youth in matters of rural living, and are approved under the authority of the Washington State University or the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
[ 2018 c 280 § 4; 1993 c 163 § 1; 1991 c 238 § 74; 1961 c 61 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.140 - Eligibility requirements for state allocation.

RCW 15.76.140
Eligibility requirements for state allocation.
(1) Before any agricultural fair may become eligible for state allocations it must have conducted two successful consecutive annual fairs immediately preceding application for such allocations, and have its application therefor approved by the director.
(2) The director may waive the requirement in subsection (1) of this section if:
(a) A county fair reorganizing as an area fair has, through a current or predecessor organization, received an allocation from the fair fund as a county fair for at least two years; or
(b) A fair is not held due to a natural disaster such as a flood or wildfire.
[ 2018 c 280 § 5; 2001 c 157 § 1; 1995 c 374 § 71; 1965 ex.s. c 32 § 1; 1961 c 61 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2001 c 157: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 2, 2001]." [ 2001 c 157 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.150 - Allocations from the fair fund.

RCW 15.76.150
Allocations from the fair fund.
(1) Using the department's forms, the board of trustees of any fair or youth show may apply to the department for allocations from the state fair fund.
(2)(a) The director may allocate ninety-five percent of the state fair fund, including its interest income under RCW 43.79A.040, to applicant agricultural fairs, distributed according to merit as measured by a merit rating to be set up by the director. This merit rating must take into account such factors as area and population served, open and/or youth participation, attendance, gate receipts, number and type of exhibits, premiums paid, community support, evidence of successful achievement of the aims and purposes of the fair, extent of improvements made to grounds and facilities from year to year, and overall condition and appearance of grounds and facilities.
(b) The department may use up to ten percent of the amount allocated in (a) of this subsection for special assistance to any participating fair or fairs.
(c) The department may use the remaining five percent of money in the state fair fund for expenses incurred in the administration of this chapter, which may include the fair commission expenses approved by the director.
(3) The division and payment of funds authorized in this section shall occur at such times as the director may prescribe.
[ 2018 c 280 § 6; 2002 c 313 § 113; 1965 ex.s. c 32 § 2; 1961 c 61 § 6.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.160 - Purposes for which allocation made—To whom made.

RCW 15.76.160
Purposes for which allocation made—To whom made.
Any state allocations made under this chapter shall be made only as a reimbursement in whole or in part for operating expenses incurred. State allocations to fairs under the control of one or more counties must be made to the county treasurer of the county in which the fair is held. State allocations to other fairs or youth shows under RCW 15.76.120 must be made to sponsors of such fairs or shows.
[ 2018 c 280 § 7; 1961 c 61 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.165 - Authorization for capital funding to support capital projects that make health or safety improvements to agricultural fairgrounds or fair facilities—Contract requirements.

RCW 15.76.165
Authorization for capital funding to support capital projects that make health or safety improvements to agricultural fairgrounds or fair facilities—Contract requirements.
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department may provide capital funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations, on a competitive basis, to support capital projects that make health or safety improvements to agricultural fairgrounds or fair facilities in order to benefit participants and the fair-going public.
(2) The department shall develop and manage appropriate contracts with the selected applicants, monitor project expenditures and grantee performance, report project and contract information, and exercise due diligence and other contract management responsibilities.
(a) The department shall include provisions in the contracts which require that capital improvements be held by the grantee for a specified period of time appropriate to the amount of the grant and that facilities must be used for the express purpose of the grant.
(b) If the grantee is found to be out of compliance with provisions of the contract, the grantee shall repay to the state general fund the principal amount of the grant plus interest calculated at the rate of interest on state of Washington general obligation bonds issued most closely to the date of authorization of the grant.
[ 2012 c 221 § 3; 2005 c 443 § 2; 1973 c 117 § 1; 1969 c 85 § 1.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2005 c 443: See notes following RCW 82.08.0255.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.170 - Fairs commission—Creation, terms, compensation, powers and duties.

RCW 15.76.170
Fairs commission—Creation, terms, compensation, powers and duties.
There is hereby created a fairs commission to consist of the director of agriculture as ex officio member and chair, and seven members appointed by the director to be persons who are interested in fair activities; at least three of whom shall be from the east side of the Cascades and three from the west side of the Cascades and one member at large. Appointments are for three-year terms, except for an appointment filling a vacancy, which is for the remainder of the original term.
Appointed members of the commission shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses, in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 payable on proper vouchers submitted to and approved by the director, and payable from that portion of the state fair fund set aside for administrative costs under this chapter. The commission shall meet at the call of the chair, but at least annually. It shall be the duty of the commission to act as an advisory committee to the director, to evaluate fairs to help determine merit under RCW 15.76.150(2), to assist in the preparation of the merit rating used in determining allocations to be made to fairs, and to perform such other duties as may be required by the director from time to time.
[ 2018 c 280 § 8; 2010 c 8 § 6100; 1984 c 287 § 18; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 21; 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 § 11; 1961 c 61 § 8.]
NOTES:
Legislative findings—Severability—Effective date—1984 c 287: See notes following RCW 43.03.220.
Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.76 - Agricultural Fairs, Youth Shows, Exhibitions. › 15.76.180 - Rules and regulations.

RCW 15.76.180
Rules and regulations.
The director shall have the power to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
[ 1961 c 61 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 15 - Agriculture and Marketing › Chapter 15.80 - Weighmasters. › 15.80.300 - Definitions.

RCW 15.80.300
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly require[s] otherwise.
(1) "Certified weight" means any signed certified statement or memorandum of weight, measure, or count, issued by a weighmaster or weigher in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or any rule adopted under it.
(2) "Commodity" means anything that may be weighed, measured, or counted in a commercial transaction.
(3) "Department" means the department of agriculture of the state of Washington.
(4) "Director" means the director of the department or the director's duly appointed representative.
(5) "Licensed public weighmaster," also referred to as "weighmaster," means any person, licensed under the provisions of this chapter, who weighs, measures, or counts any commodity or thing and issues therefor a signed certified statement, ticket, or memorandum of weight, measure, or count accepted as the accurate weight, or count upon which the purchase or sale of any commodity or upon which the basic charge or payment for services rendered is based.
(6) "Person" means a natural person, individual, or firm, partnership, corporation, company, society, or association. This term shall import either the singular or plural, as the case may be.
(7) "Retail merchant" means and includes any person operating from a bona fide fixed or permanent location at which place all of the retail business of the merchant is transacted, and whose business is exclusively retail except for the occasional wholesaling of small quantities of surplus commodities that have been taken in exchange for merchandise from the producers thereof at the bona fide fixed or permanent location.
(8) "Thing" means anything used to move, handle, transport, or contain any commodity for which a certified weight, measure, or count is issued when such thing is used to handle, transport, or contain a commodity.
(9) "Vehicle" means any device, other than a railroad car, in, upon, or by which any commodity is or may be transported or drawn.
(10) "Weigher" means any person who is licensed under the provisions of this chapter and who is an agent or employee of a weighmaster and authorized by the weighmaster to issue certified statements of weight, measure, or count.
[ 2017 c 158 § 1; 1969 ex.s. c 100 § 1.]