WSR 13-15-084

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed July 17, 2013, 2:28 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Licensing fees.

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: The gambling commissioners will be considering proposing a license fee increase of approximately five - seven percent. The commission is a nongeneral fund and nonappropriated agency. We are funded by licensing and regulatory fees. The last fee increase was six years ago (2008) when fees were increased by approximately five percent. During the past six years, we have worked hard to save time, money and reduce staffing levels by adding online services, streamlining processes and close management. During the past six years, we have reduced our approved budget by more than $1.5 million and reduced staffing by twenty-three positions. Even with these budget cuts, additional funding is needed to cover the agency's minimum operating costs. If the commissioners decide to move forward with a fee increase, the fee increase would require legislative approval during the 2014 legislative session. If the fee increase is ultimately approved by the state legislature, we anticipate the increase would become effective June or July 2014.

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 Susan Newer, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3466, e-mail Susan.Newer@wsgc.wa.gov, fax (360) 486-3625.

Visit www.wsgc.wa.gov about ten days before each meeting to confirm meeting location, date and start time.

Meetings on September 12 or 13, 2013, at the Great Wolf Lodge, 20500 Old Highway 99 S.W., Grand Mound, WA 98531; on October 10 or 11, 2013, at the Spokane Davenport Hotel, 10 South Post Street, Spokane, WA 99201; on November 14 or 15, 2013, at the Comfort Inn Conference Center, 1620 74th Avenue S.W., Tumwater, WA 98501; on April 10 or 11, 2014, and May 8 or 9, 2014, meeting locations to be determined.

July 17, 2013

Susan Newer

Rules Coordinator