WSR 14-11-086

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 20, 2014, 3:06 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-06 WAC, Public records, the department is reviewing the rule to amend the department description, organization, and contact information. In addition, the department is proposing to establish a set scan charge for reproduction of paper records into electronic format and increasing the minimum amount at which the department begins charging for photocopies or scanned copies of records. This rule making does not propose to change and is separate from rule making proposed in the CR-101 filed on December 23, 2013, related to WAC 16-06-210(29), public disclosure rule which releases information for animal numbers, acreage, nutrients generated and exported and crop yields in numeric ranges.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.17.060, 42.56.040, and chapter 34.05 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department proposes to amend chapter 16-06 WAC to update the department's description, organization, and contact information. The department also proposes to establish a set scanning charge for the reproduction of paper records into electronic format. The department's current rule does not have an established rate and making this change will clarify potential charges when members of the public request scanned records. The department also proposes to increase the minimum total cost that applies before the department will begin to charge for the reproduction of requested public records from the current amount of $10.00 to $20.00.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Affected stakeholders will have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Pam Potwin, Public Records Officer, Administrative Regulations Program, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1935, fax (360) 902-2092, e-mail ppotwin@agr.wa.gov.

May 20, 2014

Julie Morgan

Chief of Staff