Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-240 WAC, WSDA grain inspection program—Definitions, standards, and fees. The department of agriculture (department) is considering rule making to revise the structure of permanent staffing including, but not limited to, fees, time frames, and any services that are not specifically identified and to increase program fees.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Based on the findings of a recent comprehensive budget review, the department determined that the program is ill-equipped to withstand reductions in service requests needed to sustain program viability. Amending the rules regarding permanent staffing, contract versus noncontract fees, hourly rate and revenue minimums, along with increasing the tonnage tier rates/structure and other fees will improve employee retention and total revenue, enabling the program to maintain stability and service through times of fiscal uncertainty.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Federal Grain Inspection Service (USDA AMS FGIS) must approve changes in the department's grain inspection program's fee schedule.

Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will develop the proposed amendments based upon program needs, requirements of USDA AMS FGIS, and will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Philip Garcia, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone 360-902-1921, TTY 800-833-6388 or 711, email pgarcia@agr.wa.gov, website agr.wa.gov.