WSR 22-04-042

EXPEDITED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed January 26, 2022, 10:00 a.m.]

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 16-529 WAC, Washington alfalfa seed commission.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: This rule making amends the Washington alfalfa seed commission marketing order by removing term limits from board member term[s] of office.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The changing alfalfa seed industry in Washington and additional state requirements on commission board members make it difficult to seat a board each year. Removing term limits will enable the Washington alfalfa seed commission to retain board members who have served more than two full, consecutive, three-year terms and will provide continuity and the leadership necessary to carry out the purposes of the marketing order.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 15.65.047.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 15.65 RCW.

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

Name of Proponent: Washington alfalfa seed commission, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Megan Finkenbinder, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, 360-902-2043; Implementation and Enforcement: Shane Johnson, 6601 West Deschutes Avenue, Suite C-2, Kennewick, 509-585-5460.

This notice meets the following criteria to use the expedited adoption process for these rules:

Relates only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a person.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: Using the expedited rule-making process is appropriate because the subject matter does not rise to the importance of a referendum of affected producers.

NOTICE

THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Megan Finkenbinder, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone 360-902-2043, fax 360-902-2092, email mfinkenbinder@agr.wa.gov, AND RECEIVED BY April 4, 2022.

February 2, 2022

Derek I. Sandison

Director

OTS-3950.1