Subject of Possible Rule Making: The commission initiates this rule making to consider amending existing rules and adopting new rules in chapter 480-123 WAC, Universal service, to implement the provisions of sections 11 through 18 of 2SSB 5511, enacted in the 2019 legislative session. This rule making has been assigned Docket UT-190437.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 18(2), 2SSB 5511 requires the commission to initiate a rule making to implement the reform of the state universal communications services program consistent with guidance in the legislation.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Federal Communications Commission has jurisdiction over broadband communications, and the governor's statewide broadband office has been established to encourage, foster, develop and improve affordable, quality broadband within the state of Washington. The commission's rules governing the state universal service program are authorized under RCW 80.36.610, and the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, P.L. 104-104 (110 State. 56), Section 254(f). The commission will coordinate with the statewide broadband office, as appropriate.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study; and the commission will follow its standard rule-making process, including but not necessarily limited to, requesting and considering written and oral comments on the subject of the rule making and drafts of proposed rules, and working with stakeholders to address any issues they may have.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mark L. Johnson, Executive Secretary, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, 621 Woodland Square Loop S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250, phone 360-664-1234, email records@utc.wa.gov, web site https://www.utc.wa.gov/e-filing.

Additional comments: For specific information regarding opportunities for written comments and to ensure receipt of further information concerning this rule making, please see the attachment to this form [no further information supplied by agency].