Tag Archives: Livestock ID

Three Warnick-sponsored bills signed by governor

Late last week, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed three key bills sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, advancing public safety, agricultural integrity, and workforce development across Washington state.

Warnick’s legislation strengthens protections for emergency responders, extends a critical livestock program, and continues support for job training initiatives.

Senate Bill 5323 increases penalties for the theft of essential equipment used by firefighters and emergency medical service providers. The law aims to deter thefts that can delay emergency response and jeopardize public safety.

“These are the tools our first responders rely on to save lives,” Warnick said. “This law sends a clear message: stealing emergency equipment won’t be tolerated.”

Senate Bill 5485 extends the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Identification Program through July 1, 2030. The program helps track ownership, prevent livestock theft, and protect the health and viability of the state’s agriculture industry.

“This program is vital for both ranchers and regulators,” said Warnick. “It ensures accountability and supports one of Washington’s most important economic sectors.”

Senate Bill 5682 provides a five-year extension for the Customized Employment Training Program’s business and occupation (B&O) tax credit, helping employers offset the costs of training new or current workers.

“With workforce needs evolving, this program gives businesses tools to stay competitive and grow jobs locally,” Warnick said.

Warnick, who represents the 13th Legislative District, said she was pleased to see bipartisan support for the measures and looks forward to their positive impact statewide.

“These new laws are practical solutions that reflect the real needs of Washingtonians,” she said.

Click on the links below for print-quality photos of other bill signings.

Senate passes Warnick’s bill to extend livestock ID program

The state Senate has approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, to extend Washington’s livestock identification program through 2030.

Senate Bill 5485 continues the current livestock identification fees, the Livestock Identification Advisory Committee, and the Livestock Identification Program report from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030.

“This bill is a significant step forward for our agricultural community,” Warnick said. “By extending these critical components of the livestock identification program, we’re ensuring that our ranchers and farmers have the support they need to maintain accurate records and protect their livestock investments.”

The livestock identification program helps track ownership, deter theft, and support the health and safety of the state’s livestock industry. The extension provided by SB 5485 ensures the program can continue operating without interruption, offering stability for producers statewide.

“Our livestock producers rely on this program for essential services like brand registration and inspection,” said Warnick. “Continuing these services means we can uphold the integrity of our livestock markets and provide peace of mind to those who work tirelessly to feed our communities.”

The bill received strong bipartisan support and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“I’m grateful for the bipartisan collaboration that made this possible,” Warnick added. “Together, we’re reinforcing the foundation of our state’s economy and honoring the hard work of our livestock producers.”

Governor signs Warnick livestock ID bill on ‘Beef Day’

State Sen. Judy Warnick is from Washington’s ag country and has worked tirelessly to promote and protect the state’s second largest industry.

Today the governor signed legislation sponsored by Warnick, Senate Bill 5439, to support livestock identification efforts. The soon-to-be law will remove fees and make other sustainability improvements to the program.

“The state’s livestock identification efforts are continually improving, and my proposal will help the sustainability and fairness of this important program,” said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “I think the program will operate better for producers and the public by removing unnecessary fees and making some administrative changes.”

Included in the legislation is language to remove the $20 call-out fee for inspection performed by veterinarians or field livestock inspectors. The bill also moves the required annual report date from September to November.

“This update to livestock identification will protect valuable assets for ranchers by providing needed funding for modernization. In addition, we can continue to build on the valuable work of disease traceability,” Warnick added.

The proposal was coincidentally signed into law during Beef Day at the Capitol Campus, a longstanding and popular advocacy effort by the cattle industry to educate policymakers while showcasing the culinary goods.