Subject of Possible Rule Making: The ability for licensees to pay license fees in two payments.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 9.46.070.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule allows licensee fees of $800 and more to be paid in two payments; the first half when the license is issued and the second half six months later. Approximately 1,020 licensees are using the two part payment plan, which is about 1/4 of all licensed organizations.

     Staff resources are used upfront to investigate all applications before a license is issued, whether the fee is paid in full, or in two payments. At times, we don't receive the second half payment because a business closes. Furthermore, additional agency resources are needed to keep records for the second half payment and following up on NSF checks submitted for the second half payment.

     RCW 9.46.070(5) requires the commission to establish a schedule of annual fees and that all licensing fees are submitted with applications. As such, staff recommends doing away with the two part payment plan and requiring all license fees to be paid upfront.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Interested parties can participate in the discussion of this proposed change by attending a commission meeting, or contacting the agency rules coordinator at the contact information below.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rick Day, Deputy Director, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3446; Neal Nunamaker, Deputy Director, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3449; or Susan Arland, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3466, e-mail Susana@wsgc.wa.gov.

     [Meeting Locations:] At the Phoenix Inn, 415 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 570-0555, on February 10, 2006; at the Red Lion Hotel, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive, Olympia, WA 98502, (360) 943-4000, on March 10, 2006; and at The Heathman Lodge, 7801 N.E. Greenwood Drive, Vancouver, WA 98662, (360) 254-3100, on April 14, 2006.

December 19, 2005

Susan Arland

Rules Coordinator