[Filed April 2, 2021, 2:36 p.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 21-05-045.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 30-02-015 Grants, the grants program is increasing the amount the executive director can approve for individual grant awards.

Hearing Location(s): On May 11, 2021, at 8:30 a.m., at 711 Capitol Way South, Suite 600, Olympia, WA 98504. Written comments are due by May 10, 2021. The building is closed to the public but with advance notice we can let you into the building. Notify by May 10, 2021.

Date of Intended Adoption: May 11, 2021.

Submit Written Comments to: Terry J. West, Deputy Director, 711 Capitol Way South, Suite 600, Olympia, WA 98504, email terry.west@arts.wa.gov, fax 360-586-5351, by April 29, 2021.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Terry J. West, Deputy Director, phone 360-586-5350, fax 360-252-9978, email terry.west@arts.wa.gov, by April 29, 2021.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Amend the grant rule to increase the amount the executive director can approve for individual grant awards.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: This is an amendment that increases the executive director's discretion. A public rules writing session was held and no members of the public attended or presented any opposition.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.46.040

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.46.090 through 43.46.095

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Washington state arts commission, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Terry J. West, 711 Capitol Way South, Suite 600, Olympia, 360-252-9978.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328 as the Washington state arts commission is not listed under this statute as required to prepare a cost-benefit analysis. The rule being amended is not considered a significant rule change.

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

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.030.

Explanation of exemptions: A small business economic impact statement is not required under RCW 19.85.030 because there are not more-than-minor costs to businesses in order to comply with this minor amendment.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 19-07-001, filed 3/6/19, effective 4/6/19)

WAC 30-12-015Grants.

(1) The commission provides grants through a competitive process to organizations or individuals for the purpose of developing, sponsoring, and promoting the growth and development of the arts and arts education in the state of Washington.

(2) Staff create and publish applications, application cycles, forms and documents, guidelines, eligibility requirements, review criteria, and select review panelists.

(3) Staff manage the application process. Panelists evaluate and score applications and offer recommendations to the board. See also WAC 30-12-017 (Applications) and WAC 30-12-030 (Panels).

(4) The board reviews panel recommendations and approves grants, except as noted below.

(a) The executive director may approve grants that do not exceed ((three))five thousand dollars. Grants approved by the executive director are subject to ratification by the board at the next board meeting.

(b) The board may delegate to the executive director approval of grants that exceed ((three))five thousand dollars. Grants approved by the executive director are subject to ratification by the board at the next board meeting.