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) Hemp produced under this chapter may not be transported from a registered land area as identified on the hemp producer license until THC certification by the department as specified in WAC 16-306-120 is obtained by the applicable licensee prior to transport. During transport of hemp off a producer's registered land area, including to a processor, the person in possession of the hemp during transport must have in ((his or her))their possession either:

(a) Copies of the hemp producer license and department-issued THC certification, as required by this chapter; or

(b) A bill of lading or other proper documentation demonstrating that the hemp was legally imported or is otherwise legally present in the state of Washington under applicable state and federal laws relating to hemp.

(2) Any hemp from a licensed Washington producer that is found in Washington state at any location off the premises of a registered land area of a licensee without department-issued THC certification as specified in WAC 16-306-120 is deemed to be contraband and subject to seizure by the Washington state patrol or any law enforcement officer. Any such contraband material is subject to destruction at the licensee's expense, and may result in suspension or revocation of the hemp producer license.