(1) The director shall establish a livestock identification advisory board. The board shall be composed of six members appointed by the director. One member shall represent each of the following groups: Beef producers, public livestock market operators, horse owners, dairy farmers, cattle feeders, and meat processors. As used in this subsection, "meat processor" means a person licensed to operate a slaughtering establishment under chapter 16.49 RCW or the federal meat inspection act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 601 et seq.). In making appointments, the director shall solicit nominations from organizations representing these groups statewide. The board shall elect a member to serve as chair of the board.

     (2) The purpose of the board is to provide advice to the director regarding livestock identification programs administered under this chapter and regarding inspection fees and related licensing fees. The director shall consult the board before adopting, amending, or repealing a rule under this chapter or altering a fee under RCW 16.58.050, 16.65.030, 16.65.037, or 16.65.090. If the director publishes in the state register a proposed rule to be adopted under the authority of this chapter and the rule has not received the approval of the advisory board, the director shall file with the board a written statement setting forth the director's reasons for proposing the rule without the board's approval.

     (3) The members of the advisory board serve three-year terms. However, the director shall by rule provide shorter initial terms for some of the members of the board to stagger the expiration of the initial terms. The members serve without compensation. The director may authorize the expenses of a member to be reimbursed if the member is selected to attend a regional or national conference or meeting regarding livestock identification. Any such reimbursement shall be in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

[2003 c 326 § 3; 1993 c 354 § 10.]