WSR 13-14-015

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 21, 2013, 1:11 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend WAC 232-12-054 Archery requirements—Archery special use permits, to allow hunters with disabilities to use scopes on crossbows while hunting.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department received a petition from the public to amend WAC 232-12-054 to allow the hunters with disabilities to use scopes on crossbows during archery seasons and will provide additional recreational opportunities for hunters with disabilities. This amendment will provide an accommodation for hunters with disabilities that do not allow them to draw back and shoot standard archery equipment and will increase access to archery hunting seasons for hunters with disabilities.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal law requires that persons with disabilities are allowed access to agency programs.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Nate Pamplin, Wildlife Program Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2515, fax (360) 902-2162, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by August 7, 2013. Expected proposal filing on or after August 21, 2013.

June 21, 2013

Joanna Eide

Administrative Regulations Analyst