PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revision and recodification of all chapters in Title 260 WAC. The Washington Horse Racing Commission intends to review all of its existing rules to (1) eliminate unnecessary or redundant rules; (2) ensure that all rules are internally consistent; and (3) modernize and clarify rules. Through this process, the agency expects to replace virtually all of its existing rules with new rules. In doing so, the agency will consider adopting in whole or in part, the model rules of flat racing developed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International, with appropriate modifications. See http://www.arci.com/mror/mrorindex.html, visited April 7, 2003.
This rule revision package will contain changes that modify or streamline agency procedures, including but not limited to public records procedures, licensing procedures, and administrative hearing procedures. Substantive rule changes (other than eliminating outdated, redundant, or unnecessary rules) will not be included unless a separate preproposal statement of inquiry is filed on that subject.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 67.16.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rules on horse racing will be clarified, modernized, and made consistent with the requirements of state statutes, governor's executive orders and current horse racing regulatory practices. The new rules will be written in a clear style and will eliminate unnecessary rules.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study, meetings with stakeholders.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Robert M. Leichner, Executive Secretary, Washington Horse Racing Commission, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, phone (360) 459-6462, fax (360) 459-6461.
April 22, 2003
R. M. Leichner
Executive Secretary