WSR 24-17-095
EXPEDITED RULES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed August 19, 2024, 8:44 a.m.]
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 16-168 WAC, Approved independent sanitation consultants for food storage warehouses.
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.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter
15.130 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Skye Theriot, private.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Gloriann Robinson, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA, 360-902-1802.
This notice meets the following criteria to use the expedited adoption process for these rules:
Corrects typographical errors, makes address or name changes, or clarifies language of a rule without changing its effect.
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.
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 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.
August 19, 2024
Jason Ferrante
Deputy Director
OTS-5740.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-17-020, filed 8/6/20, effective 9/6/20)
WAC 16-168-060Applying for approval as an independent sanitation consultant.
The steps in applying for approval as an independent sanitation consultant are:
(1) Obtain an application from the department.
(2) Complete the application, listing your qualifications.
(3) Each applicant must sign the application and have ((his/her))their signature notarized.
(4) Return the application to the address on the application.