PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 162-26 WAC, Public accommodations--Disability discrimination.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.60.120(3).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To provide further guidance on rights and responsibilities of places of public accommodation with respect to persons with disabilities, including guidance on accommodating the use of trained dog guides or service animals by a disabled person, clarifying the status of public agencies under RCW 49.60.215, and clarifying para-transit service requirements under chapter 49.60 RCW in light of the state Supreme Court decision in Fell vs. Spokane Transit Authority.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Justice enforces the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The Washington State Departments of Health, Social and Health Services, the Rehabilitation Advisory Council, and the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment are involved in regulating this subject at the state level. These agencies have been invited to participate in the advisory workgroup that will help to develop possible rules.
Process for Developing New Rule: Advisory workgroups.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The commission encourages interested parties to take part in the advisory workgroup or submit written comments. Please contact Martin Casey, P.O. Box 42490, Olympia, WA 98504-2490, phone (360) 586-5765, fax (360) 586-2282.
June 15, 1999
Sue J. Jordan
Executive Director