Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Protect Family Farmers

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2007

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure that supports farmers by protecting their right to farm and helps keep their working lands profitable and productive. The bill increases protections for agricultural operations, activities and practices by broadening the definition of agricultural activity.

�This bill protects family farmers and helps keep their working lands profitable and productive,� said Governor Gregoire. �Farmers who use good agricultural practices and comply with all regulations should not be subject to unnecessary lawsuits.�

Engrossed House Bill 1648, sponsored by Rep. Brian Sullivan (D-Mukilteo), passed the House with 93 votes and passed the Senate with 46 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Support Small Business Owners

Governor Gregoire today signed into law a measure that supports small business owners by establishing a Microenterprise Development Program.

�What starts as the smallest business today can grow into a regional or global competitor tomorrow,� said Governor Gregoire. �This bill creates a Microenterprise Development Program to provide support and assistance for owners of our state�s smallest businesses.�

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5652, sponsored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman (D-Kent), passed the Senate with 45 votes and passed the House with 83 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Additional Bill Action Today

Governor Gregoire today signed the following bills into law:

• SHB 1037 - Relating to siting electrical transmission under the energy facility site evaluation council.
• HB 1038 - Relating to developing regional compacts for siting electric transmission lines.
• ESHB 1050 - Relating to allowing certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies.
• SHB 1082 - Relating to the requirements for displaying the proper licenses while harvesting shellfish or seaweed.
• 2SHB 1140 - Relating to net meter aggregation of electricity.
• SHB 1407 - Relating to funding the administration of Title 50 RCW, unemployment compensation.
• EHB 1413 - Relating to changing the definition of floodway in the shoreline management act.
• HB 1443 - Relating to a state public utility tax deduction for certain transportation activities with respect to agricultural commodities.
• SHB 1646 - Relating to sampling of fish, wildlife, and shellfish by department of fish and wildlife employees.
• HB 1674 - Relating to authorizing the governor to enter into a cigarette tax contract with the Spokane Tribe.
• HB 1706 - Relating to removing expiration dates for state consent to federal court jurisdiction in actions under the Indian gaming regulatory act.
• ESHB 1858 - Relating to the imposition of fees by transportation benefit districts.
• EHB 1902 - Relating to the sales and use taxation of repairs to farm machinery and equipment.
• HB 1949 - Relating to providing industrial insurance coverage for workers involved in harvesting geoduck clams.
• SHB 2115 - Relating to establishing the Washington heritage barn preservation program.
• SHB 2129 - Relating to geothermal resources. (Partial veto, section 7)
• SHB 2261 - Relating to an evaluation of the state wood smoke reduction program.
• SHB 2275 - Relating to raising funds for state parks. (Partial veto, section 3)
• ESHB 2352 - Relating to the excise taxation of persons engaged in farming and farming services.
• ESSB 5269 - Relating to establishing the first peoples' language and culture teacher certification program.
• ESB 5401 - Relating to Christmas tree grower licensure.

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