SSB 6354 -
By Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs
ADOPTED 03/01/2012
Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 A new section is added to chapter 43.17 RCW
to read as follows:
(1) In any instance where a state agency requires that a business
submit a document, form, or payment of a fee in paper format, the state
agency must provide the business an option to submit such requirement
electronically.
(2) A business may authorize a second party to meet the
requirements imposed by a state agency under subsection (1) of this
section on its behalf.
(3) The director of a state agency or the director's designee may
exempt a document, form, or payment of a fee from the requirements of
this section if:
(a)(i) There is a legal requirement for such materials to be
submitted in paper format; or
(ii) It is not technically or fiscally feasible or practical, or in
the best interest of businesses for such materials to be submitted
electronically; and
(b) Within existing resources, the director or the director's
designee establishes and maintains a process to notify the public
regarding such exemptions.
(4) Agencies must add the capability to submit existing documents,
forms, and fees electronically as part of their normal operations. New
documents, forms, and fees required of a business must be capable of
electronic submission within a reasonable time following either their
creation or the implementation of the new requirement.
(5) Agencies must document how they plan to transition from paper
to electronic forms."
Correct the title.
EFFECT: (1) Clarifies that a document, form, or payment of a fee
may be exempt from the requirements of the act if electronic submission
is not technically or fiscally feasible or practical, or in the best
interests of businesses;
(2) Requires that agencies must add the capability for electronic
submissions of existing documents, forms, and fees as part of their
normal operations;
(3) Requires that new documents, forms, and fees required of a
business must be capable of electronic submission within a reasonable
time following either their creation or the implementation of the new
requirement; and
(4) Requires that agencies document how they plan to transition
from paper to electronic forms.