Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: In response to a petition for rule making, the department of agriculture (department) is proposing to clarify current rule language by replacing all gender-specific pronouns with modern gender-inclusive pronouns.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 43.01.160 requires state agencies to use gender-neutral terms in rules unless a specification of gender is intended. Replacing gender-specific terminology supports the department's commitment to integrate inclusive policies and procedures as outlined in the department's 22-25 strategic plan.

Gender-inclusive pronouns are pronouns that are not specifically gendered and can be utilized when referring to each other in the third person. They are linguistic tools that we use to refer to people. Using gender-neutral pronouns can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment and show respect for people's gender identities.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: The amendments in this proposal meet the criteria for expedited rule making specified in RCW 34.05.353 (1)(c) by clarifying the rule, without changing its effect, by replacing gender-specific pronouns with gender-inclusive pronouns.

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 Gloriann Robinson, Rules Coordinator, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone 360-902-1802, fax 360-902-2092, email wsdarulescomments@agr.wa.gov, AND RECEIVED BY October 22, 2024.

(1) Consistent with the concept of uniformity where possible with the federal regulations adopted under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq., this chapter adopts the version of the referenced federal rule current at the time this rule becomes effective.

(2) To promote continued uniformity with federal rules; amendments to the federal rules referenced in this chapter are hereby incorporated and enforceable under this chapter upon the effective date of the federal amendment provided:

(a) The director of the Washington state department of agriculture or ((his or her))their authorized representative (director) gives notice of the federal rule amendment at the time it is published as a final rule in the Federal Register;

(b) The notice is published, at a minimum, in the state register and on the agency's website; and

(c) The director has not otherwise determined that the amendment should not be adopted as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) If the director determines that a proposed amendment to a federal rule referenced in this chapter should not be adopted, the director shall initiate rule making under chapter 34.05 RCW to amend this chapter to reflect the version of the federal rule, if any, effective under this chapter.