Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-228 WAC, General pesticide rules, the department is considering modifying provisions of this chapter and/or adding sections of rule to this chapter to allow for third-party entities to administer pesticide licensing examinations and collect examination fees. This may include raising and restructuring examination fees. The department is also considering revising the language to increase clarity and readability and conform with current industry practices.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department oversees a licensing and recertification program for more than twenty-four thousand pesticide applicators, dealers, consultants, and structural pest inspectors. As part of the licensing process, the department administers licensing exams to ensure that individuals and businesses that apply, sell, or consult regarding pesticide products are sufficiently competent to do so in a safe and effective manner. Currently, exams are offered primarily in paper form at a few locations on limited dates and are required to be hand-graded with results distributed manually. Currently testers could wait up to ten days to find out the results of their test. The department is considering contracting with third-party vendors to administer computer-based and virtual-based testing where applicants can take exams at testing facilities throughout the state and receive immediate results of their scores. Offering computer and virtual-based exams at more facilities at more convenient times and providing immediate results will make completing the exam step in the licensing process more efficient, convenient, and accessible for applicants. The department may need to revise current rule language to facilitate use of a third-party vendor, including but not limited to raising and restructuring exam fees and the collection of the fees. The department may also review other sections of language in this chapter to increase clarity and readability and ensure that it conforms with current industry practices.

Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholder groups. 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 hearings.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Christina Zimmerman, Program Manager, Licensing and Recertification Program, Washington State Department of Agriculture, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone 360-902-2150, fax 360-902-2093, TTY 800-833-6388, email czimmerman@agr.wa.gov, website https://agr.wa.gov/services/rulemaking/wac16-228-general-pesticide-rules-exam-fees-110718.