Hearing Location(s): On January 14, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., at Washington State Gambling Commission, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503. Public hearings will take place at scheduled commission meetings. The meeting dates, times, and locations are tentative. Visit our website at www.wsgc.wa.gov approximately seven days prior to the meeting, select "The Commission," and then select "Public Meetings" to confirm hearing date, location, start time, and agenda items.

Submit Written Comments to: Ashlie Laydon, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, email rules.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov, fax 360-486-3632, by January 1, 2021.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Julie Anderson, phone 360-486-3453, TTY 360-486-3637, email julie.anderson@wsgc.wa.gov, by January 1, 2021.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The gambling commission is considering adopting proposed rule language defining "scientific" as authorized in RCW 9.46.0209 and 9.46.070.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: SB 6120 was signed on March 26, 2020, which amended RCW 9.46.0209 (1)(i) to include "scientific" to the list of purposes of which a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization may be organized or operated and therefore qualify for licensure to operate gambling activities under the Gambling Act.

Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: SB 6120 was signed on March 26, 2020, which amended RCW 9.46.0209 (1)(i) to include "scientific" to the list of purposes of which a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization may be organized or operated and therefore qualify for licensure to operate gambling activities under the Gambling Act.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Brian Considine, Attorney, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3469; Implementation: David Trujillo, Director, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3512; and Enforcement: Tina Griffin, Assistant Director, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3546.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. A cost-benefit analysis is not required per RCW 34.05.328 (5)(a)(i).

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rule content is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute; and rules adopt, amend, or repeal a procedure, practice, or requirement relating to agency hearings; or a filing or related process requirement for applying to an agency for a license or permit.

"Scientific" as used in RCW 9.46.0209 means the carrying on of scientific research in the public interest. Scientific research will be regarded as carried out in the public interest if it either is performed for the federal or state government or is directed toward benefiting the public. This includes scientific research carried out for the purpose of:

(1) Aiding in the scientific education of students; or

(2) Obtaining scientific information which is published in a treatise, thesis, trade publication, or other form that is made available to the public; or

(3) Discovering a cure for a disease.