PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-108 WAC, Washington state egg seals and assessments.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 69.25 RCW, Washington wholesome eggs and Egg Products Act.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The purpose of this rule change is to make adjustments to the assessment fee charged to egg handlers and dealers so that an adequate fund balance can be maintained. To achieve this the department is considering either a long-term or a short-term reduction or suspension of the egg assessment. This change has been recommended by industry.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The agency is developing the proposal in coordination with stakeholders.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Julie Carlson, Division Coordinator, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Consumer Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, jcarlson@agr.wa.gov, (360) 902-1880, fax (360) 902-2087, TTY 1-800-833-6388.
December 18, 2007
Jerry Buendel
Assistant Director