WSR 18-11-099

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 21, 2018, 7:58 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 16-501-525 Unsigned ballot envelopes, advisory votes, referenda, and board member elections.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.24.035, 15.26.060, 15.28.023, 15.44.021, 15.65.240, 15.66.113, 15.88.050, 15.89.050, 15.115.060, and 16.67.060.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The director of agriculture is responsible for administering marketing order referenda under chapters 15.65 and 15.66 RCW and for administering elections for advisory votes and board member selection authorized in RCW 15.24.035, 15.26.060, 15.28.023, 15.44.021, 15.65.240, 15.66.113, 15.88.050, 15.89.050, 15.115.060, and 16.67.060. These rules set procedures for administrative functions for commodity commissions. Revising procedures for unsigned ballots will streamline and expedite the referendum process.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also 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 Teresa Norman, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone 360-902-2043, fax 360-902-2092, TTY 711, email tnorman@agr.wa.gov, web site www.agr.wa.gov.

May 11, 2018

Patrick Capper

Deputy Director