PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Sexual orientation and gender identity.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.60.390.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Legislation including sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the Washington law against discrimination was passed in 2006. There are many unanswered questions about what the specific requirements of the law are, particularly with places of public accommodation, and many stakeholders have requested clarification and explanation in the form of 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: We will have workgroups across the state which interested parties can attend and provide information and recommendations. From that information, the agency will draft proposed rules, which will then be the subject of a public comment period, which will include a public meeting on the rule.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties can become involved with our workgroup sessions May 23, 2012, in Pasco; June 6, 2012, in Olympia or Spokane; or June 20, 2012, in Seattle; and then, later, can provide public comment on the proposed rule. The public meeting will occur in Olympia, and comments will also be accepted via phone message, e-mail, fax and mail. Contact Laura Lindstrand, Policy Analyst, Washington State Human Rights Commission, 711 South Capitol Way, Suite 402, P.O. Box 42490, Olympia, WA 98541 [98504-2490], phone (360) 359-4923, fax (360) 586-2282, e-mail laura.lindstrand@hum.wa.gov.
April 16, 2012
Laura Lindstrand
Policy Analyst