PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-03-166.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: New chapter 230-17 WAC.
Hearing Location(s): Red Lion Hotel, 303 West North River Drive, Spokane, WA 98901, (509) 326-8000, on October 12, 2007, at 9:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 12, 2007.
Submit Written Comments to: Susan Arland, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, e-mail Susan2@wsgc.wa.gov, fax (360) 486-3625, by October 1, 2007.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Gail Grate, Executive Assistant, by October 1, 2007, TTY (360) 486-3637 or (360) 486-3453.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The gambling commission is rewriting its rules manual using plain English techniques. We anticipate the project will be completed by January 1, 2008. The rules manual is being broken into sections and rewritten a section at a time. This filing is to provide notification that rules regarding hearings are under review. Staff propose repealing some of the rules in chapter 230-50 WAC and not include a "plain English" rule on this particular rule in chapter 230-17 WAC.
SUBSTANTIVE RULE CHANGES
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-005 Issuing notice of administrative charges.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-030 Adjudicated proceedings -- Hearings -- Interpreter -- Timing.
We added the language "short and plain statement" to subsection (1) of this rule at the request of stakeholders. Our administrative charges already contain a "short and plain" statement of the case. We have also removed a great deal of language that is redundant with chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act. One of our goals in the rule simplification project has been to not repeat statutes.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-010 Requesting and scheduling a hearing.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-010 Adjudicative proceedings -- Hearings.
We propose removing the phrase "or a facsimile thereof" from the language of the rule because we send a copy of the form we require as required by chapter 34.05 RCW.
We've changed the time requirements in subsection (2)(a) from twenty days to twenty three days because the court rules call for a twenty-three day time limit for response by mail.
We also changed subsection (4)(b) to allow for agreements between parties to extend the ninety-day limit for sending out the notice of hearing. This change makes clear that if parties agree, put it in writing, and make it part of the permanent record of the proceeding, they may extend the ninety-day period.
NEW Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-015 Settlements encouraged.
We already try to settle as many cases as possible when the agency's needs can be met. This new rule encourages parties to settle cases without the need for an adjudicative hearing.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-020 Prehearing conferences.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-610 Adjudicated proceedings settlement conferences and prehearing conferences.
The subject matter experts requested that we add in new language concerning discovery deadlines and scheduling a settlement conference or hearing to the list of what should be done at a prehearing conference. We also struck the word "expert" from our description of the witnesses which is consistent with the model rules.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-025 Appointment of administrative law judge or "presiding officer."
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-020 Adjudicated proceedings -- Appointment of administrative law judge.
We removed language about the model rules from this rule. The former language stated that model [rules] were to be followed "as applicable." This implied that we must apply model rules when, in actuality, chapter 34.05 RCW states that agencies should use the model rules, but may choose which ones to use at their discretion.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-030 Methods of service in adjudicative proceedings.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-190 Adjudicated proceedings -- Service of process -- Method of service.
We struck language concerning service by telegraph, since this type of service has fallen out of use. We also added service by fax to the commission's "legal division" with same-day mailing of copies. These changes seem to look forward to the future methods of service that are most likely to continue.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-035 When service of notices, orders, and documents is complete.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-200 Adjudicated proceedings -- Service of process -- When service complete.
We struck the language concerning service by telegraph, since this type of service has fallen out of use. We also added service by fax to the commission "legal division" with same-day mailing of copies. These changes seem to look forward to the future methods of service that are most likely to continue.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-040 Filing documents for adjudicative proceedings.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-210 Adjudicated proceedings -- Service of process -- Filing with agency.
We designated where to send process per RCW 34.05.010(6). We also changed the wording of the rule to highlight that we only accept service at our administrative offices in Lacey.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-045 Who can appear in a representative capacity at hearings.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-060 Adjudicated proceedings -- Appearance and practice before the commission -- Who may appear.
We added to this rule because the requirements about appearance at hearings covered in RCW 34.05.428 are somewhat vague. We also added the presiding officer into the list so they can also decide whether someone can appear at a hearing.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-050 Standards of ethical conduct.
We added to this rule because the requirements about appearance at hearings covered in RCW 34.05.428 are somewhat vague.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-055 Issuing, quashing, and responding to subpoenas.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-225 Adjudicated proceedings -- Discovery.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-230 Adjudicated proceedings -- Subpoenas, issuance, service, fees, quashing and enforcement.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-700 Continuances.
We changed two portions of the current rule:
1. The length of time parties have to issue subpoenas; and
2. The proof of process service.
For issuing subpoenas, we lengthened the time to issue to ten days. For proof of service, we added that servers must either sign an affidavit or a declaration under penalty of perjury; this follows the model rules of chapter 10-08 WAC.
We discovered while researching this rule that we don't have the statutory authority to allow pro ses to issue subpoenas, so we built in a way for the pro se to request a subpoena from the presiding officer if it is needed.
We also moved a subsection of WAC 230-50-700 Continuances concerning hearings continued for the introduction of further evidence into this rule because it dealt with the issuing of subpoenas.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-060 Official notice.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-500 Official notice -- Matters of law.
We made several changes to this rule. The first of those is to remove the phrase "practitioners before its bar" from subsection (4). This phrase doesn't seem to add any clear duty or explicit order to what will be given official notice. In its place, we added language suggested by the subject matter experts about recognizing the "contents of licenses and certifications."
We also added a separate subsection (5) mentioning the state-tribal compact system: "A Washington tribe's compact with the state of Washington and any appendices or amendments to it."
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-065 Depositions and interrogatories.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-300 Adjudicated proceedings -- Depositions and interrogatories -- Right to take.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-310 Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Scope.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-320 Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Officer before whom taken.
We removed the language from the current rule that states, "Depositions shall be taken only in accordance with this rule and the rules on subpoenas" because it contradicts other deposition rules and statutes.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-070 Notice and length of depositions.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-330 Adjudicated proceedings -- Depositions and interrogatories -- Notice.
We added the records custodian as an example to subsection (2)(c): "If the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which he or she belongs (for example, "records custodian")." This clarifies what we mean by a "general description" in the rule.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-075 Protective orders.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-340 Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Protection of parties and deponents.
We removed the majority of this rule. It is dense and confusing to the reader. The rewritten form of the rule allows for a very broad range of protective orders to be issued by the presiding officer in an administrative hearing.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-080 Stipulations.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-530 Stipulations and admissions of record.
We added a definition of stipulation to the rule. The subject matter experts recommended the definition to make the legal language more clear to readers who are not trained in legal matters.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-085 Initial orders.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-550 Adjudicated proceedings -- Initial or final order.
We propose removing large portions of the old rule because RCW 34.05.461 covers the requirements for entering initial orders.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-115 Expert witnesses.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-650 Expert or opinion testimony and testimony based on economic and statistical data -- Number and qualifications of witnesses.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-670 Expert or opinion testimony and testimony based on economic and statistical data -- Supporting data.
We reworded the rule because the old rule was not consistent with the restrictions in RCW 42.52.080.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-130 Settlement conferences.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-610 Adjudicated proceedings settlement conferences and prehearing conferences.
We made two changes to this rule:
1. We removed language allotting who can attend settlement conferences because it didn't match actual practice during these conferences.
2. We changed subsection (7) to state that the results of the settlement conference only have to be recorded if a settlement is reached.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-135 Continuances.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-700 Continuances.
We added in a definition of what a "continuance" was at the suggestion of the subject matter experts.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-140 Petitions for reconsideration of a final order.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-562 Final orders -- When and how to file a petition for reconsideration of a final order.
We added subsection (2) to this rule so that a party may file a response to a petition for reconsideration. Parties don't usually do this, but it gives them the option. The subject matter experts suggested it.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-150 Use of brief adjudicative proceedings (BAPs).
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-010 Adjudicative proceedings -- Hearings.
We removed language about when brief adjudicative proceedings (BAPs) may be held for several reasons:
BAPs were intended to cover relatively simple cases, so, for instance, we added language to subsection (1)(d) that BAPs would be used "where that is the only alleged violation in the administrative charges" because failure to pay taxes is not usually a "stand-alone" charge, and so would need to be handled in a regular administrative hearing, not a BAP.
We removed some language because the information, like that for withdrawal of [an] approved card game covered in card game rules chapter 230-15 WAC, is now covered in other chapters.
Further, we removed language about stipulations in subsection (6)(e) because when parties stipulate to facts and charges, these cases are often settled in the settlement conference without the need for a hearing at all.
Also we removed the language that discussed processes that we don't have anymore, for instance we no longer deny applications for higher bingo license classes as explained in subsection (6)(f).
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-165 Summary suspensions.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-012 Summary suspensions.
We propose adding a definition of summary suspension to the rule. We have also changed some of the language in the rule to more closely mirror the vocabulary used in RCW 9.46.075 and 9.46.158.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-170 Petition and hearing for stay of the summary suspension.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-015 Stay of summary suspension.
We removed the phrase "upon service" in subsection (6) of the current rule because we intend to leave some flexibility for the administrative law judge to make an oral ruling and follow it with a written ruling.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-175 Review of initial orders to stay a summary suspension.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-018 Review of orders on stay.
We changed the time to request a review of initial orders to stay a summary suspension from "twenty-one days" to "twenty days." Elsewhere in the chapter, we have used "ten days" and "twenty days" to maintain some consistency in the periods for responses or filings.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-190 Information required on a petition.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-800 Petitions for rule making, amendments, or repeal.
Information required on a petition.
We removed the list in subsection (3) of the current rule because the information about what should be discussed in the rule petition is set out in RCW 34.05.330 (4)(a)-(i).
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-195 Locating petition for rule-making form.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-800 Petitions for rule making, amendments, or repeal.
We added the web site address for the commission as another location from which petitioners may get a copy of the petition for rule-making form.
Post-1/1/2008 WAC 230-17-200 Submitting a petition.
Pre-1/1/2008 WAC 230-50-800 Petitions for rule making, amendments, or repeal.
We added e-mailing the rules coordinator as another way a person may submit a petition for rule making.
REPEALERS
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed because they are duplicative of RCW requirements: WAC 230-50-080 Solicitation of business unethical, 230-50-100 Appearance by former employee of commission or former member of attorney general's staff, 230-50-160 Adjudicated proceedings -- Service of process -- By whom served, 230-50-170 Service of process -- Upon whom served, 230-50-180 Service of process -- Service upon parties, 230-50-350 Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Oral examination and cross-examination, 230-50-360 Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Recordation, 230-50-370 Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Signing attestation and return, 230-50-380 Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Use and effect, 230-50-390 Adjudicated proceedings -- Depositions and interrogatories -- Fees of deponents -- Costs of deposition, 230-50-400 Depositions upon interrogatories -- Submission of interrogatories, 230-50-410 Depositions upon interrogatories -- Interrogation, 230-50-420 Depositions upon interrogatories -- Attestation and return, 230-50-520 Presumptions, 230-50-580 Adjudicated proceedings -- Hearings -- Forms, and 230-50-800 Petitions for rule making, amendments, or repeal.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 9.46.070.
Statute Being Implemented: Not applicable.
Name of Proponent: Washington state gambling commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Susan Arland, Rules Coordinator, Lacey, (360) 486-3466; Implementation: Rick Day, Director, Lacey, (360) 486-3446; and Enforcement: Mark Harris, Assistant Director, Lacey, (360) 486-3579.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. A small business economic impact statement has not been prepared pursuant to RCW 19.85.025, and/or the proposed rule change clarifies language of rules without changing the effect.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The Washington state gambling commission is not an agency that is statutorily required to prepare a cost-benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328.
August 13, 2007
Susan Arland
Rules Coordinator
OTS-9909.1
REPEALER
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 230-50-080 | Solicitation of business unethical. |
| WAC 230-50-100 | Appearance by former employee of commission or former member of attorney general's staff. |
| WAC 230-50-160 | Adjudicated proceedings -- Service of process -- By whom served. |
| WAC 230-50-170 | Service of process -- Upon whom served. |
| WAC 230-50-180 | Service of process -- Service upon parties. |
| WAC 230-50-350 | Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Oral examination and cross-examination. |
| WAC 230-50-360 | Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Recordation. |
| WAC 230-50-370 | Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Signing attestation and return. |
| WAC 230-50-380 | Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases -- Use and effect. |
| WAC 230-50-390 | Adjudicated proceedings -- Depositions and interrogatories -- Fees of deponents -- Costs of deposition. |
| WAC 230-50-400 | Depositions upon interrogatories -- Submission of interrogatories. |
| WAC 230-50-410 | Depositions upon interrogatories -- Interrogation. |
| WAC 230-50-420 | Depositions upon interrogatories -- Attestation and return. |
| WAC 230-50-520 | Presumptions. |
| WAC 230-50-580 | Adjudicated proceedings -- Hearings--Forms. |
| WAC 230-50-800 | Petitions for rule making, amendments, or repeal. |
OTS-9907.1
HEARING RULES
(1) Applicants to determine whether to deny the application; and
(2) Licensees to determine whether to suspend or revoke the license if they held a license at the time we issued charges against them; and
(3) Applicants for approval of pull-tab dispensers to determine whether to deny approval of the dispenser.
[]
(1) A short and plain statement of the matters the agency asserts; and
(2) A request for hearing form; and
(3) A form to request an interpreter at the hearing for persons with limited English skills or hearing impairment; and
(4) The maximum penalty.
[]
(2) We must receive the request from the applicant, licensee, or permittee at our administrative office within:
(a) Twenty-three days after we mail by regular mail the notice of administrative charges; or
(b) Twenty days after they receive by certified mail the notice of administrative charges; or
(c) Twenty days after we personally serve the notice of administrative charges.
(3) If applicants, licensees, or permittees do not file requests in the time required, then they waive their right to a hearing. They are in default, as defined in RCW 34.05.440, and the commissioners may take action against them up to the maximum penalty stated in the notice of administrative charges.
(4) The director, director's designee, or the presiding officer of the hearing must issue a notice of hearing which meets the requirements of RCW 34.05.434(2).
(a) The notice must be issued within ninety days from the date on which we receive the request from the licensee, applicant, or permittee, unless all parties agree to or the presiding officer orders an extension beyond the ninety days.
(b) Any change of the ninety-day requirement must be:
(i) In writing; and
(ii) Made a part of the permanent record of the proceeding.
[]
[]
(1) Identifying and simplifying the issues; and
(2) Amending pleadings, if necessary; and
(3) Obtaining stipulations of facts and of documents; and
(4) Limiting the number of witnesses; and
(5) Setting discovery deadlines or resolving discovery disputes; and
(6) Scheduling a settlement conference before an administrative law judge; and
(7) Scheduling the hearing date; and
(8) Resolving any other matter that may aid in the outcome of the proceeding.
[]
(a) The commissioners, by their own order, declare their intent to preside at a specific proceeding; or
(b) The proceeding is an appeal of an initial order issued by an ALJ.
(2) All hearings must be conducted in compliance with TITLE 230 WAC and chapter 34.05 RCW.
[]
(1) Personal service; or
(2) First class, registered, or certified mail; or
(3) Telefacsimile (fax) to the commission's legal division, and same-day mailing of a copy of the faxed document; or
(4) Commercial parcel delivery service.
[]
(1) Personal service - which means actual, physical delivery to:
(a) The person; or
(b) The designated agent of the person; or
(c) Anyone over the age of eighteen residing at the residence of:
(i) The person; or
(ii) A corporate officer; or
(d) If represented, the attorney representing the person.
(2) Mail - which means deposit in the United States mail with proper postage and properly addressed; service is complete on the third day after mailing, excluding the date of mailing; or
(3) Telefacsimile (fax) - which means faxing to the commission's legal division, with confirmation of the transmission, and the same day deposit of a copy of the faxed document in the United States mail, with proper postage and properly addressed; service is complete on the third day after mailing, excluding the date of mailing; or
(4) Commercial parcel delivery service - which means delivery to the parcel delivery service, when properly addressed and all charges are paid.
[]
(2) Delivery to our administrative office when we are not present to receive the documents in person does not constitute lawful service of documents for any matter under our jurisdiction.
(3) When a party is filing a document with the commission, the attorney general's office must also be served.
[]
(1) Individuals representing themselves or their business (pro se); and
(2) Attorneys at law duly qualified and entitled to practice before the supreme court of the state of Washington; and
(3) Attorneys entitled to practice before the highest court of record of any other state, if Washington attorneys are permitted to appear before administrative agencies of the other state, and if not otherwise prohibited by our state law; and
(4) Interpreters for persons with a limited understanding of the English language or hearing impaired persons; and
(5) Other persons the commissioners may allow, if a party shows a necessity or a hardship that would make it unduly burdensome to have one of the representatives set out above.
[]
(2) If the person does not conform to these standards, the commission may decline to allow that person to appear before them.
[]
(a) State the name of the commission; and
(b) State the title of the adjudicative proceeding; and
(c) Command the persons to whom they are addressed to attend and give testimony, produce books, records, documents, or things under their control at a specified time and place.
(2) All parties must serve their subpoenas on all other parties at least ten days before the specified time for appearance or document production.
(3) Any person eighteen years of age or older may serve subpoenas by showing and reading the subpoenas to witnesses, or by giving them a copy of the subpoena, or by leaving a copy at their residence.
(4) When anyone other than an officer authorized to serve process performs service, the server must make proof of service by affidavit or a declaration under penalty of perjury.
(5) If a party makes a motion at or before the time stated for compliance in the subpoena, the presiding officer may:
(a) Quash or modify an unreasonable and oppressive subpoena; or
(b) Order the person who issued the subpoena to pay the reasonable cost of producing the books, papers, documents, or tangible things.
(6) Parties may seek judicial enforcement of subpoenas under RCW 34.05.588.
(7) Witnesses must attend and provide requested testimony or documents at the specified time and place.
(8) During a hearing, if it appears in the public interest or in the interest of justice that further testimony or argument should be received, the presiding officer may at his or her discretion continue the hearing and:
(a) Set the hearing ahead to a certain date; and
(b) Subpoena, or allow a party to subpoena, additional argument or evidence.
[]
(1) Federal law. The Constitution; congressional acts, resolutions, records, journals and committee reports, decisions of federal courts and administrative agencies; executive orders and proclamations; and all rules, orders and notices published in the federal register; and
(2) State law. The Constitution of the state of Washington, acts of the legislature, resolutions, records, journals and committee reports; decisions of administrative agencies of the state of Washington, executive orders and proclamations by the governor; and all rules, orders and notices filed with the code reviser; and
(3) Governmental organization. Organization, territorial limitations, officers, departments, and general administration of the government of the state of Washington, the United States, the several states and foreign nations; and
(4) Agency organization. The commission's administration, officers, personnel, official publications, and contents of licenses and certifications; and
(5) Tribal compact. A Washington tribe's compact with the state of Washington for Class III gaming and any appendices or amendments to it.
[]
(2) Parties must depose persons in the same manner, and before the same officers, authorized by the Washington civil rules for superior court, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.
(3) Witnesses may be subpoenaed to attend a deposition or produce documents.
(4) Parties may only depose a commissioner, the director, deputy director, or an assistant director if they apply to the presiding officer and show good cause that circumstances prevent the statements or depositions of other staff members from revealing the information, evidence, or details needed.
(5) Unless otherwise ordered, the person being deposed may be examined about any matter to the same extent that the Washington civil rules for superior court allow.
[]
(2) The notice for the deposition must state:
(a) Time and place of the deposition; and
(b) The name and address of each person to be deposed, if known; or
(c) If the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular class or group to which he or she belongs (for example: "Records custodian").
(3) If a party makes a motion, the presiding officer may lengthen or shorten the time for notice of the deposition.
(4) If the parties agree in writing, depositions may be taken before any person, at any time or place, on any notice, and in any manner, and may be used as otherwise allowed by these rules.
[]
[]
(1) Parties may stipulate to all or any portion of the facts of the case.
(2) Parties may file the stipulation in writing or enter it orally into the record.
(3) A stipulation, if the presiding officer accepts it, is binding on the stipulating parties. The parties may present the stipulation as evidence at the hearing.
(4) The presiding officer may reject the stipulation or require proof of the stipulated facts, despite the parties' agreement to the stipulation.
[]
(2) An initial order becomes the final order unless a party files a petition for review of the initial order as explained in WAC 230-17-560.
[]
(2) Any party to an adjudicative proceeding may file a petition for review of an initial order. Parties must file the petition for review with us within twenty days of the date of service of the initial order unless otherwise stated. Parties must serve copies of the petition to all other parties or their representatives at the time the petition for review is filed.
(3) Petitions must specify the portions of the initial order the parties disagree with and refer to the evidence in the record on which they rely to support their petition.
(4) Any party to an adjudicative proceeding may file a reply to a petition for review of an initial order. Parties must file the reply with us within thirty days of the date of service of the petition and must serve copies of the reply to all other parties or their representatives at the time the reply is filed.
(5) Any party may file a cross appeal. Parties must file cross appeals with us within ten days of the date the petition for review was filed with us.
(6) Copies of the petition or the cross appeal must be served on all other parties or their representatives at the time the petition or appeal is filed.
(7) After we receive the petition or appeal, the commissioners review it at a regularly scheduled commission meeting within one hundred twenty days and make a final order.
[]
(2) If not allowing evidence to be admitted, the presiding officer must give consideration to, but is not bound to follow, the rules of evidence governing civil proceedings, in matters not involving trial by jury in the superior courts of the state of Washington.
[]
(2) The presiding officer may, in his or her discretion, with or without objection, exclude inadmissible evidence or order cumulative evidence discontinued.
(3) Parties objecting to the introduction of evidence must state the precise grounds of such objection at the time such evidence is offered.
[]
(a) Prepare the pertinent excerpts; and
(b) Adequately identify them; and
(c) Supply copies to the presiding officer and the other parties, with a statement indicating the purpose for which the excerpts will be offered.
(2) The offering party must make the whole original document available for examination and for use by all parties. However, only the excerpts must be received in the record.
[]
(a) Require that parties submit all documentary evidence to the other parties sufficiently in advance so that they may study and prepare cross-examination and rebuttal evidence.
(b) Reject documentary evidence not submitted in advance if the party offering it cannot show that there was good cause for failing to submit it sooner.
(2) Unless a party files a written objection before the hearing, the authenticity of all documents submitted in advance is accepted. Parties may later file a challenge of authenticity if they show good cause for failing to file a written objection.
[]
(a) Selecting one or more to speak for all parties; or
(b) Limiting the number for each party.
(2) If the parties cannot agree, the presiding officer must require them to submit written statements to all parties with the names, addresses, and qualifications of their respective expert witnesses on a date determined by the presiding officer sufficiently in advance of the hearing to allow the other parties to investigate the witness' qualifications.
(3) The presiding officer must require parties to submit the underlying data for statements and exhibits they provide sufficiently in advance of the hearing to allow the other parties to cross examine the expert witness(es) at the hearing. However, the presiding officer must restrict to a minimum placing the data in the record.
(4) No former employees of our agency may appear, except with the director's or director's designee's permission, as expert witnesses on behalf of other parties in a proceeding involving a matter that was under consideration by the agency when the former employee was employed by the commission.
[]
(1) For expert testimony, and all testimony based on economic or statistical data, all parties will submit written sworn statements in advance of the hearing by a date the presiding officer sets; and
(2) A party may object to the written statements on any grounds, except that the testimony is not presented orally; and
(3) A party may cross examine witnesses if the party makes a request sufficiently in advance of the hearing to allow the witness(es) to be present.
[]
[]
(2) If a settlement is reached, it must be a written order to be signed by all parties and the presiding officer.
[]
(2) Parties may agree to a continuance.
(3) If the parties do not agree to a continuance, the person requesting the continuance must:
(a) Notify the presiding officer and the other party why a continuance is needed; and
(b) Present this request as soon as the person:
(i) Receives the notice of the hearing or commission review; or
(ii) Knows the reasons requiring the continuance.
(4) The presiding officer will consider whether the request was made promptly and may grant a continuance for good cause shown, or on his or her own motion.
(5) During a hearing, if it appears consistent with the public interest or in the interests of justice that further testimony or argument should be considered, the presiding officer may continue the hearing and set the date to introduce additional argument or evidence. This oral ruling is final notice of a continued hearing.
[]
(2) A party may file a response to the petition for reconsideration. Parties must file responses with us within ten days of the date the petition was filed with us.
(3) If the petition is received at least fifteen business days before the next regularly scheduled commission meeting, we schedule the petition to be heard at that next meeting.
(4) If the petition is received less than fifteen business days before that next meeting, we schedule the petition at the following regularly scheduled meeting.
[]
(2) For purposes of this rule, the commission hereby delegates to the director the authority to deny a stay or issue a temporary stay until the reviewing court can rule on a permanent stay. The decision of the director denying a stay is not subject to judicial review.
[]
BRIEF ADJUDICATIVE PROCEEDINGS (BAPs)(a) Stays of summary suspension; and
(b) Denying or revoking extended operating hours for:
(i) Card games; and
(ii) Bingo; and
(c) Charitable or nonprofit licensee appealing a denial of a request for waiver of significant progress requirements; and
(d) Failure to pay required gambling taxes, where that is the only alleged violation in the administrative charges; and
(e) When the penalty we are requesting is a suspension of seven days or less; and
(f) When the parties stipulate to using a BAP.
(2) If we conduct a BAP, we may conduct them telephonically and, therefore, the notice of hearing will not set a place of the hearing.
(3) Any party to the BAP may request to appear in person and, in those cases, a place will be set and all parties notified.
[]
(2) Interrogatories and depositions are not allowed.
[]
SEIZURE HEARINGS(2) The item seized is forfeited to the state unless a claimant is able to prove the device is:
(a) Not a gambling device; or
(b) An antique gambling device as defined by RCW 9.46.235.
[]
SUMMARY SUSPENSION HEARINGS(2) The commission delegates its authority to the director to issue an order to summarily suspend any license or permit if the director determines that a licensee or permittee has performed one or more of the actions identified in RCW 9.46.075 as posing a threat to public health, safety, or welfare.
(3) The commission deems the following actions of a licensee or permittee constitute an immediate danger to the public safety and welfare:
(a) Failing or refusing to comply with the provisions, requirements, conditions, limitations, or duties imposed by chapter 9.46 RCW or any rules adopted by the commission; or
(b) Knowingly causing, aiding, abetting, or conspiring with another to cause any person to violate any of the laws of this state or the rules of the commission; or
(c) Obtaining a license or permit by fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, or through inadvertence or mistake; or
(d) Being convicted of, or forfeiting of a bond on a charge of, or having pled guilty to:
(i) Forgery; or
(ii) Larceny; or
(iii) Extortion; or
(iv) Conspiracy to defraud; or
(v) Willful failure to make required payments or reports to a governmental agency at any level, or filing false reports therewith, or of any similar offense or offenses; or
(vi) Bribing or otherwise unlawfully influencing a public official or employee of any state or the United States; or
(vii) Any crime, whether a felony or misdemeanor involving any gambling activity or physical harm to individuals or involving moral turpitude; or
(e) Allowing any person who has been convicted of, or forfeited bond on, any of the offenses included under (d) of this subsection, to participate in the management or operation of any activity regulated by the commission without written approval ahead of time from the commission or its director; or
(f) Being subject to current prosecution or pending charges, or appealing a conviction, for any of the offenses included under (d) of this subsection; or
(g) Denying the commission or its authorized representatives, including authorized local law enforcement agencies, access to any place where a licensed activity is conducted or failure to promptly produce for inspection or audit any book, record, document, or item required by law or commission rule; or
(h) Making a misrepresentation of, or failure to disclose, a material fact to the commission; or
(i) Having pursued or pursuing economic gain in an occupational manner or context which is in violation of the criminal or civil public policy of this state if such pursuit creates probable cause to believe that the participation of such person in gambling or related activities would be inimical to the proper operation of an authorized gambling or related activity in this state. For the purposes of this section, occupational manner or context shall be defined as the systematic planning, administration, management, or execution of an activity for financial gain; or
(j) Being a career offender or a member of a career offender cartel or an associate of a career offender or career offender cartel in such a manner which creates probable cause to believe that the association is of such a nature as to be inimical to the policy of chapter 9.46 RCW or to the proper operation of the authorized gambling or related activities in this state. For the purposes of this section, career offender is defined as any person whose behavior is pursued in an occupational manner or context for the purpose of economic gain utilizing such methods as are deemed criminal violations of the public policy of this state. A career offender cartel is defined as any group of persons who operate together as career offenders; or
(k) If a charitable or nonprofit organization, being deemed to be operating bingo primarily for gambling purposes and continuing to use program funds to subsidize the operation of gambling activities.
(4) An order of summary suspension takes effect immediately on service unless stated otherwise in the order of summary suspension.
[]
(2) We must receive the petition in writing within fifteen days of service of the summary suspension.
(3) Within seven days of receipt of the petition, the presiding officer holds a hearing. If an administrative law judge is not available, the chairperson of the commission designates a commissioner to be the presiding officer. If the parties agree, they may have a continuance of the seven-day period.
(4) At the hearing, the only issues are whether the presiding officer:
(a) Should grant a stay; or
(b) Modify the terms of the suspension.
(5) Our argument at the hearing consists of the information we used to issue the summary suspension and we may add any information we find after we order the suspension.
(6) At the hearing, the licensee or permittee has the burden of demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence all of the following:
(a) The licensee or permittee is likely to prevail upon the merits of the evidence at hearing; and
(b) Without relief, the licensee or permittee will suffer irreparable injury. For purposes of this section, elimination of income from licensed activities must not be deemed irreparable injury; and
(c) The grant of relief will not substantially harm other parties to the proceedings; and
(d) The threat to the public safety or welfare is not sufficiently serious to justify continuation of the suspension, or that modification of the terms of the suspension will adequately protect the public interest.
(7) The initial stay of the summary suspension order whether given orally or in writing takes effect immediately unless stated otherwise.
[]
(2) If we receive a timely petition for review, the commissioners will consider the petition at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the commission.
(a) The matters considered on review are limited to the record of the stay hearing; and
(b) A commissioner who acted as presiding officer is not disqualified from considering the petition for review, unless a party demonstrates grounds for disqualification under the conditions set out in RCW 34.05.425; and
(c) The commissioners' decision is effective immediately, unless otherwise stated, and is final as set out in RCW 34.05.467.
(3) The outcome of the petition for review does not affect any future administrative hearing about their license or permit.
[]
PETITIONS FOR DECLARATORY ORDERS(a) That uncertainty necessitating resolution exists; and
(b) That there is actual controversy arising from the uncertainty such that a declaratory order will not be merely an advisory option; and
(c) That the uncertainty adversely affects the petitioner; and
(d) That the adverse effect of uncertainty on the petitioner outweighs any adverse effects on others or on the general public that may likely arise from the order requested.
(2) Within fifteen days after receipt of a petition for a declaratory order, the commission must give notice of the petition to all persons to whom notice is required by law, and may give notice to any other person it deems desirable.
(3) Within thirty days after receipt of a petition for a declaratory order, the commission, in writing, must do one of the following:
(a) Enter an order declaring the applicability of the statute, rule, or order in question to the specified circumstances; or
(b) Set the matter for specified proceedings to be held no more than ninety days after receipt of the petition and give reasonable notification to the person(s) of the time and place for such hearing and of the issues involved; or
(c) Set a specified time no more than ninety days after receipt of the petition by which it will enter a declaratory order; or
(d) Decline to enter a declaratory order, stating the reasons for its action.
(4) The time limits of subsection (3)(b) and (c) of this section may be extended by the commission for good cause.
(5) The commission may not enter a declaratory order that would substantially prejudice the rights of a person who would be a necessary party and who does not consent in writing to the determination of the matter by a declaratory order proceeding.
(6) A declaratory order has the same status as any other order entered by the commission in an adjudicative proceeding. Each declaratory order must contain the names of all parties to the proceeding on which it is based, the particular facts on which it is based, and the reasons for its conclusions.
(7) Any person petitioning the commission for a declaratory order pursuant to RCW 34.05.240 must generally adhere to the following form for such purpose.
(a) At the top of the page must appear the wording "before the Washington state gambling commission." On the left side of the page below the foregoing, the following caption must be set out: "In the matter of the petition of (name of petitioning party) for a declaratory order." Opposite the foregoing caption must appear the word "petition."
(b) The body of the petition must be set out in numbered paragraphs. The first paragraph must state the name and address of the petitioning party. The second paragraph must state all rules or statutes that may be brought into issue by the petition. Succeeding paragraphs must set out the state of facts relied upon in form similar to that applicable to complaints in civil actions before the superior courts of this state. The concluding paragraphs must contain the prayer of the petitioner. The petition must be subscribed and verified in the manner prescribed for verification of complaints in the superior courts of this state.
(c) The original must be filed with the commission. Petitions must be on white paper, either 8-1/2" x 11" or 8-1/2" x 13" in size.
[]
RULE-MAKING PROCEDURES(2) All persons must follow the requirements explained in RCW 34.05.330 for petitions for rule making.
[]
(a) Commission name; and
(b) The reasons for:
(i) Adopting a new rule; or
(ii) Amending an existing rule; or
(iii) Repealing an existing rule.
(2) When someone is:
(a) Proposing a new rule, the petition should include:
(i) The text of the proposed rule; and
(ii) A description of the new rule requirements; and
(iii) A description of the effects of the new rule.
(b) Amending a rule, the petition should include:
(i) Title and number of the rule, for example, "WAC 230-03-040 Signing the application"; and
(ii) The text of your proposed rule change; and
(iii) A description of the effects of changing the rule.
(c) Requesting repeal of a rule, your petition should include:
(i) Title and number of the rule; and
(ii) A description of the effects of repealing the rule.
[]
(1) The office of financial management; or
(2) Our administrative office during regular business hours; or
(3) Our web site at www.wsgc.wa.gov.
[]
(2) We consider a petition submitted when we receive it at our administrative office.
[]