During the state Senate’s first full week of floor votes, the body approved a bipartisan proposal sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick focused on improving the state’s livestock identification program.

Senate Bill 5439, which was approved unanimously, would remove fees and makes other sustainability improvements.

“We need the oversight body of this program to take a hard look at sustainability and fairness,” said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “By removing unnecessary fees and making some administrative changes, I think the program will operate better for producers and the public.”

Included in the legislation are provisions to remove the $20 call-out fee for inspection performed by veterinarians or field livestock inspector. It also moves the required annual report date from September to November.

“Our producers need to know that these changes will help protect their livestock assets by providing needed funding for modernized identification efforts. In addition, we can continue to build on the valuable work of disease traceability,” Warnick added.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.