WSR 17-16-172

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed August 2, 2017, 11:17 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The gambling commission is considering amending and simplifying its current licensing fee structure in Title 230 WAC. This will also include amending how licensees report their activities and pay their licensing fees under Title 230 WAC.

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 commission has approximately one hundred ninety-four different fees for commercial and nonprofit organizations and individuals. This fee schedule is typically based on a "class" system, which can be cumbersome for licensees and agency staff. The gambling commission is looking to simplify this current system to allow it to be easier to navigate and have a licensing fee schedule that is more predictable for both the agency and its licensees.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making; and interested parties can participate in the discussion of this proposed change by attending a commission meeting, or contacting the agency rules coordinator, Michelle Rancour, Acting Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3447, email rules.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov, fax (360) 486-3624.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Written comments can be directed to Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, fax (360) 486-3624, phone (360) 486-3447, or email rules.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov.

We anticipate rule proposals will be on the commission agenda beginning in September, and the commissioners and agency will discuss all changes at its public meetings until a final decision is made most likely in the first quarter of 2018.

To discuss these rule proposals in person with commissioners and staff, please attend an upcoming commission meeting.

Check our web site at www.wsgc.wa.gov under "Public Meetings" for agendas, meeting dates, locations and start times.

August 2, 2017

Michelle Rancour

Acting Rules Coordinator