Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is seeking to amend and clarify existing rules and establish new rules associated with program modifications and accessibility permits for hunters and fishers with disabilities. Possible amendments of rules in chapters 220-200, 220-305, 220-413, and 220-414 WAC related to persons with a disability, disability designation, and special use permit (SUP) could include, but not be limited to: Editorial and housekeeping changes to improve clarity; increasing the department's options for managing permits; and modifications to appeal rights for permits. Additional rules being considered include establishing specific and consistent criteria for the standard permits provided to hunters and fishers with disabilities under RCW 77.32.237.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is renovating the process required for a program modification and accessibility permit, including, but not limited to, SUP. The purpose is to streamline and simplify the process for hunters and fishers with disabilities and to increase equitable provision of reasonable access by providing for consistent application of SUP standards.

This rule making is intended to reduce barriers that may impede the ability of hunters and fishers with disabilities to participate in department programs or services, thereby meeting the needs of our constituents while increasing the diversity of citizens afforded recreational hunting and fishing opportunities.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Interior (Civil Rights Division), and Department of Justice on ADA Compliance. The department will share proposed rule language with these agencies and cooperate as needed through the department's civil rights compliance coordinator.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting SUP Rule Making, voicemail comments 855-925-2801, project code 4030, TTY 1-800-833-6388 or 711. Submit comments SUPCR101@PublicInput.com, website https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development/special-use-permits, commenting portal https://publicinput.com/SUPCR101; or Katherine Waldrop, phone 360-902-2567, email Katherine.waldrop@dfw.wa.gov.