WSR 24-08-014

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

ENVIRONMENTAL AND

LAND USE HEARINGS OFFICE

[Filed March 22, 2024, 11:44 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The environmental and land use hearings office (ELUHO) commences this inquiry to consider possible corrections and changes to certain sections of chapter 198-14 WAC, ELUHO's procedural rules governing full access to public records concerning the conduct of government.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 42.56.040.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ELUHO's last review of chapter 198-14 WAC was in 2012. Since these rules became effective in 2012, ELUHO staff have identified potential areas to improve and clarify within ELUHO's public records procedural rules in chapter 198-14 WAC. Based on the areas needing review, ELUHO finds it appropriate to initiate this rule making to review its public records procedural rules.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study; and ELUHO will provide opportunity to provide initial comments, may schedule one or more workshops, and will provide opportunity to provide additional written comments on draft rules and proposed CR-102 prior to adoption.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jamie Merly, 1111 Israel Road S.W., Suite 301, Tumwater, WA 98501, phone 360-485-1282, fax 360-586-2253, email jamie.merly@eluho.wa.gov, website www.eluho.wa.gov.

March 22, 2024

Jamie Merly, Director

Legal and Administrative Services