DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed August 19, 2024, 8:54 a.m.]

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 16-675 WAC, Calibration services, special inspection and testing fees.

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, show respect for people's gender identities, and can help address prejudice and discrimination.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.94.010, 43.01.160.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 19.94 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.

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.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-13-051, filed 6/14/07, effective 7/15/07)

WAC 16-675-055What fees are charged when the inspecting and testing of a weighing or measuring device is specifically requested by the device's owner?

The fees in the following table apply to inspecting and testing weighing or measuring devices when the inspection or test is:

(1) Specifically requested by the device's owner or ((his/her))their representative; or

(2) Performed on devices used by an agency or institution that receives money from the legislature or the federal government.

Weighing and Measuring Device	Inspection and/or Testing Fee
Small scales "zero to ((four hundred))400 pounds capacity"	$16.80 per scale
Intermediate scales "((four hundred pounds to five thousand))400 pounds to 5,000 pounds capacity"	$56.10 per scale
Large scales "over ((five thousand))5,000 pounds capacity"	$140.30 per scale
Large scales with supplemental devices	$168.40 per scale
Railroad track scales	$1,123.00 per scale
Liquid fuel meters with flows of less than ((twenty))20 gallons per minute	$16.80 per meter
Liquid fuel meters with flows of at least ((twenty))20 but not more than ((one hundred fifty))150 gallons per minute	$56.10 per meter
Fuel meters with flows over ((one hundred fifty))150 gallons per minute	$168.40 per meter
Liquid petroleum gas meters with one-inch diameter or smaller dispensers	$56.10 per meter
Liquid petroleum gas meters with greater than one-inch diameter dispensers	$168.40 per meter
Inspection services not covered by the above special inspection fees	$37.80 per hour for labor and travel time (minimum one hour charge)