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WashingtonSB 50742025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning the payment of turfgrass seed contracts.

Sponsored By: Matt Boehnke (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Fairer, enforceable turf seed contracts

If a dealer’s agent signs a production contract, the dealer is bound. The law voids clauses that pick another state’s courts or law, waive these protections, or let one side make big changes alone. A bailment or purchase contract does not by itself create a possessory security interest, and payments can still be subject to liens or perfected security interests.

Faster payments and clear pricing

Payment to growers is due by the earliest of the contract date, 30 days after delivery, or May 1 after harvest. Purchase contracts must list key terms, and dealers must pay within 30 days after delivery unless the grower agrees in writing to wait longer. If the contract leaves price open, the law uses Uniform Commercial Code rules to set it. If both sides sign a preplant contract, they can set different payment dates, but the final payment date must be stated.

Options when seed fails tests

If tests show the seed fails the contract’s standards, the grower can ask the dealer to buy it. A yes within 30 days creates a purchase contract. The price follows the contract’s failing‑seed price, any new agreement, or market price, capped at the price for seed that meets standards. If the dealer does not respond within 30 days, the grower may sell the seed as “variety not stated” in a lawful way, and cannot mislabel protected varieties.

Upfront pay for dealer changes

If a dealer asks to change payment timing, the dealer must pay at least 25% of the contract value up front. No one may condition their performance on the other side agreeing to a big change. Any change gained by that pressure is not enforceable.

Dealers take risk and storage costs

Risk of loss and storage fees move to the dealer when the dealer gets delivery as noticed, or when test results show the seed meets the contract’s standards, whichever comes first. This applies unless a preplant authenticated contract clearly says otherwise. It applies only when the grower is meeting the contract.

Stronger remedies for late payments

If a dealer misses a due date, you can notify the Department of Agriculture. The department orders payment within 30 days, with 1% simple interest for each month late. If the dealer still does not pay, the department suspends the dealer’s license until all growers are paid, and you are authorized to sell any contract seed you still hold in a commercially reasonable way. Contracts cannot waive this remedy; the department may charge producers enforcement fees and can offer mediation. In court, the winner can get costs and attorney fees if the judge finds bad faith.

Tougher licensing rules for dealers

The department can require dealers to post financial assurance to back their contracts. It can also refuse a license if the applicant or a controller was tied to a dealer whose license was suspended. These rules protect growers but add compliance hurdles for dealers.

Who this turf seed law covers

The law defines turfgrass seed types, dealers, producers, and contract types so everyone knows who is covered. These rules apply to contracts entered into, extended, or renewed on or after the law’s effective date.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Matt Boehnke

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Deborah Krishnadasan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Chapman

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 1

House vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/22/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 117, 2025 Laws.

    4/22/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/17/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/15/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/14/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/9/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/8/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/2/2025Senate

  11. AGNR - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/1/2025Senate

  12. AGNR - Majority; do pass.

    4/1/2025Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

    3/5/2025Senate

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/3/2025Senate

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2025Senate

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/3/2025Senate

  17. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/26/2025Senate

  18. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/17/2025Senate

  19. ANR - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/13/2025Senate

  20. First reading, referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources.

    1/13/2025Senate

  21. Introduced

    1/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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