1010-S.E AMS GO S2765.5
ESHB 1010 - S COMM AMD
By Committee on Government Operations
Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds regulatory reform is an issue citizens of this state have demanded over the last several years.
The legislature also finds that state agencies shoulder a significant responsibility to implement the policies established by the legislature. This responsibility requires that agency personnel, and particularly agency directors, commissioners, and secretaries carefully review proposed rule making, taking into consideration alternative approaches to achieving objectives established by the legislature.
The legislature further recognizes and hereby reaffirms the state's responsibility to protect health and safety of workers as required by Article II, section 35 of the state Constitution. Adoption of this act is not intended to undermine the significant protections currently provided to this state's workers whether by the Constitution, by law, or by rule.
PART I
GRANTS OF AUTHORITY
NEW SECTION. Sec. 101. A new section is added to chapter 43.12 RCW to read as follows:
For rules adopted after the effective date of this section, the commissioner of public lands may not rely solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 102. A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:
For rules adopted after the effective date of this section, the secretary may not rely solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute.
Sec. 103. RCW 43.21A.080 and 1970 ex.s. c 62 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
The director of the department of ecology is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED, That the director may not adopt rules after the effective date of this section that are based solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt the rule, except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 104. A new section is added to chapter 43.23 RCW to read as follows:
For rules adopted after the effective date of this section, the director of agriculture may not rely solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute.
Sec. 105. RCW 43.70.040 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 106 are each amended to read as follows:
In addition to any other powers granted the secretary, the secretary may:
(1) Adopt, in
accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, rules necessary to carry out the provisions
of ((this act)) chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.: PROVIDED,
That for rules adopted after the effective date of this section, the secretary
may not rely solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the
enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any
combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule,
except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the
implementation of, a statute;
(2) Appoint such
advisory committees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of ((this
act)) chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. Members of such
advisory committees are authorized to receive travel expenses in accordance
with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. The secretary and the board of health shall
review each advisory committee within their jurisdiction and each statutory
advisory committee on a biennial basis to determine if such advisory committee
is needed. The criteria specified in RCW 43.131.070 shall be used to determine
whether or not each advisory committee shall be continued;
(3) Undertake studies,
research, and analysis necessary to carry out the provisions of ((this act))
chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. in accordance with RCW 43.70.050;
(4) Delegate powers,
duties, and functions of the department to employees of the department as the
secretary deems necessary to carry out the provisions of ((this act)) chapter
9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.;
(5) Enter into
contracts on behalf of the department to carry out the purposes of ((this
act)) chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.;
(6) Act for the state
in the initiation of, or the participation in, any intergovernmental program to
the purposes of ((this act)) chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.;
or
(7) Accept gifts, grants, or other funds.
Sec. 106. RCW 82.01.060 and 1977 c 75 s 92 are each amended to read as follows:
The director of
revenue, hereinafter in ((this 1967 amendatory act)) chapter 26, Laws
of 1967 ex. sess. referred to as the director, through the department of
revenue, hereinafter in ((this 1967 amendatory act)) chapter 26, Laws
of 1967 ex. sess. referred to as the department, shall:
(1) Assess and collect
all taxes and administer all programs relating to taxes which are the
responsibility of the tax commission at the time ((this 1967 amendatory act))
chapter 26, Laws of 1967 ex. sess. takes effect or which the legislature
may hereafter make the responsibility of the director or of the department;
(2) Make, adopt and
publish such rules ((and regulations)) as he or she may deem
necessary or desirable to carry out the powers and duties imposed upon him or
her or the department by the legislature: PROVIDED, That the director
may not adopt rules after the effective date of this section that are based
solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling
provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of
such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules
defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation
of, a statute;
(3) Rules ((and
regulations)) adopted by the tax commission ((prior to)) before
the effective date of this ((1967 amendatory act)) section shall
remain in force until such time as they may be revised or rescinded by the
director;
(((3))) (4)
Provide by general regulations for an adequate system of departmental review of
the actions of the department or of its officers and employees in the
assessment or collection of taxes;
(((4))) (5)
Maintain a tax research section with sufficient technical, clerical and other
employees to conduct constant observation and investigation of the
effectiveness and adequacy of the revenue laws of this state and of the sister
states in order to assist the governor, the legislature and the director in
estimation of revenue, analysis of tax measures, and determination of the
administrative feasibility of proposed tax legislation and allied problems;
(((5))) (6)
Recommend to the governor such amendments, changes in, and modifications of the
revenue laws as seem proper and requisite to remedy injustice and
irregularities in taxation, and to facilitate the assessment and collection of
taxes in the most economical manner.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 107. A new section is added to chapter 43.22 RCW to read as follows:
For rules adopted after the effective date of this section, the director of the department of labor and industries may not rely solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 108. A new section is added to chapter 43.24 RCW to read as follows:
For rules adopted after the effective date of this section, the director of the department of licensing may not rely solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute.
Sec. 109. RCW 46.01.110 and 1979 c 158 s 120 are each amended to read as follows:
The director of
licensing is hereby authorized to adopt and enforce such reasonable rules ((and
regulations)) as may be consistent with and necessary to carry out the
provisions relating to vehicle licenses, certificates of ownership and license
registration and drivers' licenses not in conflict with the provisions of Title
46 RCW: PROVIDED, That the director of licensing may not adopt rules after
the effective date of this section that are based solely on a statute's
statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute
establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for
statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules defining or clarifying
terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute.
Sec. 110. RCW 50.12.040 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 158 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
Regular and emergency
rules ((and regulations)) shall be adopted, amended, or repealed by the
commissioner in accordance with the provisions of Title 34 RCW and the rules ((or
regulations)) adopted pursuant thereto: PROVIDED, That the commissioner
may not adopt rules after the effective date of this section that are based
solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling
provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of
such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules
defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation
of, a statute.
Sec. 111. RCW 76.09.040 and 1994 c 264 s 48 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Where necessary to
accomplish the purposes and policies stated in RCW 76.09.010, and to implement
the provisions of this chapter, the board shall ((promulgate)) adopt
forest practices ((regulations)) rules pursuant to chapter 34.05
RCW and in accordance with the procedures enumerated in this section:
PROVIDED, That the board may not adopt rules after the effective date of this
section that are based solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on
the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any
combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule,
except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the
implementation of, a statute.
(2) The board shall adopt rules that:
(a) Establish minimum standards for forest practices;
(b) Provide procedures for the voluntary development of resource management plans which may be adopted as an alternative to the minimum standards in (a) of this subsection if the plan is consistent with the purposes and policies stated in RCW 76.09.010 and the plan meets or exceeds the objectives of the minimum standards;
(c) Set forth necessary administrative provisions; and
(d) Establish procedures for the collection and administration of forest practice fees as set forth by this chapter.
Forest practices ((regulations))
rules pertaining to water quality protection shall be ((promulgated))
adopted individually by the board and by the department of ecology after
they have reached agreement with respect thereto. All other forest practices
((regulations)) rules shall be ((promulgated)) adopted
by the board.
Forest practices ((regulations))
rules shall be administered and enforced by the department except as
otherwise provided in this chapter. Such ((regulations)) rules
shall be ((promulgated)) adopted and administered so as to give
consideration to all purposes and policies set forth in RCW 76.09.010.
(((2))) (3)
The board shall prepare proposed forest practices ((regulations)) rules.
In addition to any forest practices ((regulations)) rules
relating to water quality protection proposed by the board, the department of
ecology shall prepare proposed forest practices ((regulations)) rules
relating to water quality protection.
Prior to initiating the
rule making process, the proposed ((regulations)) rules shall be
submitted for review and comments to the department of fish and wildlife and to
the counties of the state. After receipt of the proposed forest practices ((regulations))
rules, the department of fish and wildlife and the counties of the state
shall have thirty days in which to review and submit comments to the board, and
to the department of ecology with respect to its proposed ((regulations))
rules relating to water quality protection. After the expiration of
such thirty day period the board and the department of ecology shall jointly
hold one or more hearings on the proposed ((regulations)) rules
pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW. At such hearing(s) any county may propose
specific forest practices ((regulations)) rules relating to
problems existing within such county. The board and the department of ecology
may adopt such proposals if they find the proposals are consistent with the
purposes and policies of this chapter.
Sec. 112. RCW 77.04.090 and 1984 c 240 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
The commission shall adopt permanent rules and amendments to or repeals of existing rules by approval of four members by resolution, entered and recorded in the minutes of the commission: PROVIDED, That the commission may not adopt rules after the effective date of this section that are based solely on a statute's statement of intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule, except rules defining or clarifying terms in, or procedures necessary to the implementation of, a statute. The commission shall adopt emergency rules by approval of four members. The commission or the director, when adopting emergency rules under RCW 77.12.150, shall adopt rules in conformance with chapter 34.05 RCW. Judicial notice shall be taken of the rules filed and published as provided in RCW 34.05.380 and 34.05.210.
A copy of an emergency rule, certified as a true copy by a member of the commission, the director, or by a person authorized in writing by the director to make the certification, is admissible in court as prima facie evidence of the adoption and validity of the rule.
Sec. 113. RCW 48.02.060 and 1947 c 79 s .02.06 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The commissioner shall have the authority expressly conferred upon him or her by or reasonably implied from the provisions of this code.
(2) The commissioner shall execute his or her duties and shall enforce the provisions of this code.
(3) The commissioner may:
(a) ((Make
reasonable rules and regulations for effectuating any provision of this code,
except those relating to his election, qualifications, or compensation. No
such rules and regulations shall be effective prior to their being filed for
public inspection in the commissioner's office.)) Adopt, in accordance
with chapter 34.05 RCW, rules or policy statements, only as specifically
authorized, and only to the extent specifically authorized, by the legislature.
(b) Conduct investigations to determine whether any person has violated any provision of this code.
(c) Conduct examinations, investigations, hearings, in addition to those specifically provided for, useful and proper for the efficient administration of any provision of this code.
(4) Any permanent rule that was adopted by the commissioner under the authority of this section as it existed before the effective date of this section, and that was in effect as of the effective date of this section, shall, if otherwise valid, remain in effect until and unless it is repealed by the commissioner, who shall retain the authority to repeal any such rule, or is effectively repealed by an act of the legislature.
Sec. 114. RCW 48.30.010 and 1985 c 264 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) No person engaged
in the business of insurance shall engage in unfair methods of competition or
in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of such business as
such methods, acts, or practices ((are defined pursuant to subsection (2) of
this section.
(2) In addition to
such unfair methods and unfair or deceptive acts or practices)) as are expressly defined and prohibited by
this code((, the commissioner may from time to time by regulation
promulgated pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, define other methods of competition
and other acts and practices in the conduct of such business reasonably found
by the commissioner to be unfair or deceptive.
(3) No such
regulation shall be made effective prior to the expiration of thirty days after
the date of the order by which it is promulgated)).
(((4))) (2)
If the commissioner has cause to believe that any person is violating any such
((regulation)) prohibition of this code, the commissioner may
order such person to cease and desist therefrom. The commissioner shall
deliver such order to such person direct or mail it to the person by registered
mail with return receipt requested. If the person violates the order after
expiration of ten days after the cease and desist order has been received by
him or her, he or she may be fined by the commissioner a sum not to exceed two
hundred and fifty dollars for each violation committed thereafter.
(((5))) (3)
If any such ((regulation)) prohibition of this code is violated,
the commissioner may take such other or additional action as is permitted under
the insurance code for violation of ((a regulation)) that prohibition.
(4) Any permanent rule that was adopted by the commissioner under the authority of this section as it existed before the effective date of this section, and that was in effect as of the effective date of this section, shall, if otherwise valid, remain in effect until and unless it is repealed by the commissioner, who shall retain the authority to repeal any such rule, or is effectively repealed by an act of the legislature.
Sec. 115. RCW 48.44.050 and 1947 c 268 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
The insurance
commissioner shall make reasonable regulations in aid of the administration of
this chapter ((which may include, but shall not be limited to regulations))
as specifically authorized, and only to the extent specifically authorized,
by the legislature and may make reasonable rules concerning the maintenance
of adequate insurance, bonds, or cash deposits, information required of
registrants, and methods of expediting speedy and fair payments to claimants.
Any permanent rule that was adopted by the commissioner under the authority of this section as it existed before the effective date of this section, and that was in effect as of the effective date of this section, shall, if otherwise valid, remain in effect until and unless it is repealed by the commissioner, who shall retain the authority to repeal any such rule, or is effectively repealed by an act of the legislature.
Sec. 116. RCW 48.46.200 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 290 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:
The commissioner may adopt,
in accordance with the provisions of the administrative procedure act, chapter
34.05 RCW, ((promulgate)) rules ((and regulations as necessary or
proper to carry out the provisions of this chapter)) or policy
statements, only as specifically authorized, and only to the extent
specifically authorized, by the legislature. Nothing in this chapter shall
be construed to prohibit the commissioner from requiring changes in procedures
previously approved by ((him)) the commissioner.
Any permanent rule that was adopted by the commissioner under the authority of this section as it existed before the effective date of this section, and that was in effect as of the effective date of this section, shall, if otherwise valid, remain in effect until and unless it is repealed by the commissioner, who shall retain the authority to repeal any such rule, or is effectively repealed by an act of the legislature.
Sec. 117. RCW 70.94.331 and 1991 c 199 s 710 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The department shall have all the powers as provided in RCW 70.94.141.
(2) The department, in addition to any other powers vested in it by law after consideration at a public hearing held in accordance with chapters 42.30 and 34.05 RCW shall:
(a) Adopt rules establishing air quality objectives and air quality standards;
(b) Adopt emission standards which shall constitute minimum emission standards throughout the state. An authority may enact more stringent emission standards, except for emission performance standards for new wood stoves and opacity levels for residential solid fuel burning devices which shall be state-wide, but in no event may less stringent standards be enacted by an authority without the prior approval of the department after public hearing and due notice to interested parties;
(c) Adopt by rule air quality standards and emission standards for the control or prohibition of emissions to the outdoor atmosphere of radionuclides, dust, fumes, mist, smoke, other particulate matter, vapor, gas, odorous substances, or any combination thereof. Such requirements may be based upon a system of classification by types of emissions or types of sources of emissions, or combinations thereof, which it determines most feasible for the purposes of this chapter. However, an industry, or the air pollution control authority having jurisdiction, can choose, subject to the submittal of appropriate data that the industry has quantified, to have any limit on the opacity of emissions from a source whose emission standard is stated in terms of a weight of particulate per unit volume of air (e.g., grains per dry standard cubic foot) be based on the applicable particulate emission standard for that source, such that any violation of the opacity limit accurately indicates a violation of the applicable particulate emission standard. Any alternative opacity limit provided by this section that would result in increasing air contaminants emissions in any nonattainment area shall only be granted if equal or greater emission reductions are provided for by the same source obtaining the revised opacity limit. A reasonable fee may be assessed to the industry to which the alternate opacity standard would apply. The fee shall cover only those costs to the air pollution control authority which are directly related to the determination on the acceptability of the alternate opacity standard, including testing, oversight and review of data.
(3) The air quality standards and emission standards may be for the state as a whole or may vary from area to area or source to source, except that emission performance standards for new wood stoves and opacity levels for residential solid fuel burning devices shall be state-wide, as may be appropriate to facilitate the accomplishment of the objectives of this chapter and to take necessary or desirable account of varying local conditions of population concentration, the existence of actual or reasonably foreseeable air pollution, topographic and meteorologic conditions and other pertinent variables.
(4) The department is directed to cooperate with the appropriate agencies of the United States or other states or any interstate agencies or international agencies with respect to the control of air pollution and air contamination, or for the formulation for the submission to the legislature of interstate air pollution control compacts or agreements.
(5) The department is directed to conduct or cause to be conducted a continuous surveillance program to monitor the quality of the ambient atmosphere as to concentrations and movements of air contaminants and conduct or cause to be conducted a program to determine the quantity of emissions to the atmosphere.
(6) The department shall enforce the air quality standards and emission standards throughout the state except where a local authority is enforcing the state regulations or its own regulations which are more stringent than those of the state.
(7) The department shall encourage local units of government to handle air pollution problems within their respective jurisdictions; and, on a cooperative basis provide technical and consultative assistance therefor.
(8) The department shall have the power to require the addition to or deletion of a county or counties from an existing authority in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter. No such addition or deletion shall be made without the concurrence of any existing authority involved. Such action shall only be taken after a public hearing held pursuant to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW.
(9) The department shall establish rules requiring sources or source categories to apply reasonable and available control methods. Such rules shall apply to those sources or source categories that individually or collectively contribute the majority of state-wide air emissions of each regulated pollutant. The department shall review, and if necessary, update its rules every five years to ensure consistency with current reasonable and available control methods. The department shall have adopted rules required under this subsection for all sources by July 1, 1996.
For the purposes of this section, "reasonable and available control methods" shall include but not be limited to, changes in technology, processes, or other control strategies.
(10) After July 1, 1995, the department may adopt or amend a rule under the authority of this chapter that imposes burdens or obligations on any person that exceed the requirements of the federal clean air act, or that imposes burdens or obligations sooner than otherwise required by the federal clean air act, only after compliance with the procedures established in subsections (11) through (13) of this section.
(11) Before adopting a rule or amendment described in subsection (10) of this section, the department shall find in writing that those features of the proposed rule or amendment that exceed the requirements of the federal clean air act are necessary to:
(a) Satisfy an express and specific requirement of Washington or federal law, which requirement shall be identified in the department's written finding; or
(b) Protect human health and the environment from air quality problems which are specific to the state or an area of the state, and which are not addressed or not adequately addressed by the federal clean air act.
(12) The findings required by subsection (11)(b) of this section shall be supported by a written analysis of (a) the differences between the proposed rule or amendment and the corresponding provisions of the federal clean air act; (b) the air quality problem that the rule would address, including the sources of the problem and any factors that make the problem more severe in the state or in an area of the state than in other parts of the United States; (c) the quantitative effect of the proposed rule or amendment in eliminating the problem or reducing its severity; and (d) the projected cost that Washington sources would bear to comply with the proposed rule or amendment.
(13) The findings required by subsection (11) of this section and the analysis required by subsection (12) of this section shall be signed by the director and made available to the public, at least thirty days prior to the public hearing on any regulation described in subsection (10) of this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 118. A new section is added to chapter 90.48 RCW to read as follows:
The director shall approve short-term water quality modifications allowing licensed applicators to apply federally approved herbicides for elodea and algae control on lake Steilacoom subject only to compliance with federal labeling requirements, the federal insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide act, the noxious weed control board act, the Washington pesticide control act, and the Washington pesticide application act. The director shall not use this permit authority to otherwise condition or burden weed control efforts. The director's authority to issue water quality permits for activities other than the application of approved herbicides to control aquatic noxious weeds is unaffected by this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 119. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW under the subchapter heading Part III to read as follows:
(1) For rules implementing statutes enacted after the effective date of this section, except emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350, an agency may not rely solely on the statute's statement of intent or purpose, or on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for its statutory authority to adopt the rule. An agency may use the statement of intent or purpose or the agency enabling provisions to interpret ambiguities in a statute's other provisions.
(2) This section does not apply to: The commissioner of public lands, the department of social and health services, the department of ecology, the department of agriculture, the department of health, the department of revenue, the department of labor and industries, the department of licensing, the employment security department, the forest practices board, the fish and wildlife commission, and the office of the insurance commissioner.
PART II
RULE-MAKING CRITERIA
NEW SECTION. Sec. 201. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW under the subchapter heading Part III to read as follows:
(1) Before adopting a rule described in subsection (4) of this section, an agency shall:
(a) Clearly state in detail the general goals and specific objectives of the statute that the rule implements;
(b) Determine that the rule is needed to achieve the general goals and specific objectives stated under (a) of this subsection, and analyze alternatives to rule making and the consequences of not adopting the rule;
(c) Determine that the probable benefits of the rule are greater than its probable costs, taking into account both the qualitative and quantitative benefits and costs and the specific directives of the statute being implemented;
(d) Determine, after considering alternative versions of the rule and the analysis required under (b) and (c) of this subsection, that the rule being adopted is the least burdensome alternative for those required to comply with the rule that will achieve the general goals and the specific objectives stated under (a) of this subsection;
(e) Determine that the rule does not require those to whom it applies to take an action that violates requirements of another federal or state law;
(f) Determine that the rule does not impose more stringent performance requirements on private entities than on public entities unless required to do so by federal or state law;
(g) Determine if the rule differs from any applicable federal regulation or statute and, if so, determine that the difference is justified by the following:
(i) State statutory authority that explicitly allows the agency to differ from federal standards; or
(ii) Substantial evidence that the difference is necessary to achieve the specific objectives of the authorizing state statute;
(h) Coordinate the rule, to the maximum extent practicable, with other federal, state, and local laws applicable to the same circumstances and list, by citation, duplicative, inconsistent, or conflicting laws;
(i) Describe how the agency will monitor and evaluate on an ongoing basis whether the rule in fact achieves the general goals and specific objectives stated under (a) of this subsection, including, to the maximum extent practicable, the use of interim milestones to assess progress and the use of objectively measurable outcomes;
(j) Describe how the agency will implement and enforce the rule and encourage voluntary compliance with the rule;
(k) Describe which resources the agency intends to use to implement the rule; and
(l) Document compliance with the requirements of this section in the rule-making file.
(2) Before adopting a rule, the agency shall place evidence in the rule-making file documenting agency compliance with the requirement of subsection (1) of this section. Agency determinations under subsection (1)(b) through (g) of this section shall each be supported by substantial evidence. For purposes of this section, "substantial evidence" is evidence in sufficient quantity to persuade a fair-minded person of the truth of the declared premises.
(3) Before adopting a rule described in subsection (4) of this section, an agency shall include in the rule-making file a written plan that describes:
(a) The methods the agency will use in making a reasonable attempt to notify those to whom the rule applies of the adoption of the rule and how they may get more information on how to comply with the rule; and
(b) How the agency will provide adequate sources of information and technical assistance to those to whom the rule applies to assist them in voluntarily complying with the rule.
(4)(a) This section shall apply only to:
(i) Legislative rules of the departments of ecology, labor and industries, and revenue, and the employment security department, the department of natural resources, the forest practices board, the office of the insurance commissioner, the department of health, and to legislative rules of the department of fish and wildlife implementing chapter 75.20 RCW; and
(ii) Legislative rules of any agency, if such rules are designated to be reviewed under this section by the joint administrative rules review committee pursuant to (d) of this subsection.
(b) Notwithstanding (a) of this subsection, subsections (1) and (3) of this section shall not apply to:
(i) Emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350;
(ii) Rules relating only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a nongovernment party;
(iii) Rules adopting or incorporating by reference without material change federal statutes or rules, rules of other Washington state agencies, shoreline master programs other than those programs governing shorelines of state-wide significance, as referenced by Washington state law, national consensus codes that generally establish industry standards, as long as the material adopted or incorporated regulates the same subject matter and conduct as the adopting or incorporating rule;
(iv) Rules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, clarify language of a rule without changing its effect; or
(v) Rules that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards.
(c) For purposes of this subsection:
(i) A "procedural rule" is a rule that establishes, alters, or revokes (A) any procedure, practice, or requirement relating to any agency hearings, (B) any filing or related process requirement for making application to an agency for a license, or (C) any policy statement pertaining to the consistent internal operations of an agency.
(ii) An "interpretive rule" is a rule, the violation of which does not subject a person to a penalty or sanction, that sets forth the agency’s interpretation of statutory provisions it administers.
(iii) A "legislative rule" includes a rule other than a procedural or interpretive rule that (A) adopts substantive provisions of law pursuant to delegated legislative authority, the violation of which subjects a violator of such rule to a penalty or sanction, (B) establishes, alters, or revokes any qualification or standard for the issuance, suspension, or revocation of a license, (C) makes significant amendments to an existing policy or regulatory program, (D) is designated as such by the agency, or (E) is designated as such by the joint administrative rules review committee pursuant to (d) of this subsection.
(d) At the time of filing a notice of proposed rule making pursuant to RCW 34.05.320, an agency shall designate whether it considers the rule contemplated to be developed a legislative rule and shall so inform the joint administrative rules review committee of that designation by providing to that committee a copy of that notice. The joint administrative rules review committee by a vote of fifty percent of the members within ninety days of receipt of the notice may designate the contemplated rule as legislative and so inform the agency.
(e) Any agency may voluntarily adopt a rule under the factors listed in subsection (1) of this section. Such a decision by the agency shall be included in the filing of the notice of proposed rule making made pursuant to RCW 34.05.320.
(5) By January 31, 1996, and by January 31st of each even-numbered year thereafter, the office of financial management, after consulting with state agencies, counties, and cities, and business, labor, and environmental organizations, shall report to the governor and the legislature regarding the effects of this section on the regulatory system in this state. The report shall document:
(a) The rules proposed to which this section applied and to the extent possible, how compliance with this section affected the substance of the rule, if any, that the agency ultimately adopted;
(b) The costs incurred by state agencies in complying with this section;
(c) Any legal action maintained based upon the alleged failure of any agency to comply with this section, the costs to the state of such action, and the result;
(d) The extent to which this section has adversely affected the capacity of agencies to fulfill their legislatively prescribed mission;
(e) The extent to which this section has improved the acceptability of state rules to those regulated; and
(f) Any other information considered by the office of financial management to be useful in evaluating the effect of this section.
PART III
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Sec. 301. RCW 34.05.310 and 1994 c 249 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) To meet the intent
of providing greater public access to administrative rule making and to promote
consensus among interested parties, agencies shall solicit comments from the
public on a subject of possible rule making before ((publication of)) filing
with the code reviser a notice of proposed rule adoption under RCW
34.05.320. The agency shall prepare a statement of ((intent)) inquiry
that:
(a) ((States the
specific statutory authority for the new rule;
(b) Identifies the
reasons the new rule is needed;
(c) Identifies the
goals of the new rule;
(d) Describes)) Identifies the specific statute or statutes
authorizing the agency to adopt rules on this subject;
(b) Discusses why rules on this subject may be needed and what they might accomplish;
(c) Identifies other federal and state agencies that regulate this subject, and describes the process whereby the agency would coordinate the contemplated rule with these agencies;
(d) Discusses
the process by which the rule ((will)) might be developed, including,
but not limited to, negotiated rule making, pilot rule making, or agency study;
((and))
(e) Specifies the
process by which interested parties can effectively participate in the ((formulation
of the)) decision to adopt a new rule and formulation of a
proposed rule before its publication.
The statement of ((intent))
inquiry shall be filed with the code reviser for publication in the
state register and shall be sent to any party that has requested receipt of the
agency's statements of ((intent)) inquiry.
(2) Agencies are encouraged to develop and use new procedures for reaching agreement among interested parties before publication of notice and the adoption hearing on a proposed rule. Examples of new procedures include, but are not limited to:
(a) Negotiated rule
making ((which includes:
(i) Identifying
individuals and organizations that have a recognized interest in or will be
significantly affected by the adoption of the proposed rule;
(ii) Soliciting
participation by persons who are capable, willing, and appropriately authorized
to enter into such negotiations;
(iii) Assuring that
participants fully recognize the consequences of not participating in the
process, are committed to negotiate in good faith, and recognize the
alternatives available to other parties;
(iv) Establishing
guidelines to encourage consideration of all pertinent issues, to set
reasonable completion deadlines, and to provide fair and objective settlement
of disputes that may arise;
(v) Agreeing on a
reasonable time period during which the agency will be bound to the rule
resulting from the negotiations without substantive amendment; and
(vi) Providing a
mechanism by which one or more parties may withdraw from the process or the
negotiations may be terminated if it appears that consensus cannot be reached
on a draft rule that accommodates the needs of the agency, interested parties,
and the general public and conforms to the legislative intent of the statute
that the rule is intended to implement)) that means a process by which representatives of an agency and of
the interests that are affected by a subject of rule making, including where
appropriate county and city representatives, seek to reach consensus on the
terms of the proposed rule and on the process by which it is negotiated;
and
(b) Pilot rule making
which includes testing the ((draft of a proposed rule)) feasibility
of complying with or administering new draft rules or draft revisions to
adopted rules through the use of volunteer pilot ((study)) groups in
various areas and circumstances, as provided in RCW 34.05.313.
(3)(a) An agency must make a determination whether negotiated rule making, pilot rule making, or another process for generating participation from interested parties prior to development of the rule is appropriate.
(b) An agency must include a written justification in the rule-making file if an opportunity for interested parties to participate in the rule-making process prior to publication of the proposed rule has not been provided.
(4) This section does not apply to:
(a) Emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350;
(b) Rules relating only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a nongovernment party;
(c) Rules adopting or incorporating by reference without material change federal statutes or rules, rules of other Washington state agencies, shoreline master programs other than those governing shorelines of state-wide significance, or, as referenced by Washington state law, national consensus codes that generally establish industry standards, if the material adopted or incorporated regulates the same subject matter and conduct as the adopting or incorporating rule;
(d) Rules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect;
(e) Rules whose content is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute;
(f) Rules that establish, alter, or repeal (i) a procedure, practice, or requirement relating to agency hearings, or (ii) a filing or related process requirement for applying to an agency for a license.
Sec. 302. RCW 34.05.320 and 1994 c 249 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) No sooner than thirty days after publication of the statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310, and at least twenty days before the rule-making hearing at which the agency receives public comment regarding adoption of a rule, the agency shall cause notice of the hearing to be published in the state register. The publication constitutes the proposal of a rule. The notice shall include all of the following:
(a) A title, a description of the rule's purpose, and any other information which may be of assistance in identifying the rule or its purpose;
(b) Citations of the statutory authority for adopting the rule and the specific statute the rule is intended to implement;
(c) A summary of the rule and a statement of the reasons supporting the proposed action;
(d) The agency personnel, with their office location and telephone number, who are responsible for the drafting, implementation, and enforcement of the rule;
(e) The name of the person or organization, whether private, public, or governmental, proposing the rule;
(f) Agency comments or recommendations, if any, regarding statutory language, implementation, enforcement, and fiscal matters pertaining to the rule;
(g) Whether the rule is necessary as the result of federal law or federal or state court action, and if so, a copy of such law or court decision shall be attached to the purpose statement;
(h) When, where, and how persons may present their views on the proposed rule;
(i) The date on which the agency intends to adopt the rule;
(j) A short explanation of the rule, its purpose, and anticipated effects, including in the case of a proposal that would modify existing rules, a short description of the changes the proposal would make; and
(k) A statement indicating how a person can obtain a copy of the small business economic impact statement prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW, or an explanation for why the agency did not prepare the statement.
(2) Upon filing notice of the proposed rule with the code reviser, the adopting agency shall have copies of the notice on file and available for public inspection and shall forward three copies of the notice to the rules review committee.
(3) No later than three
days after its publication in the state register, the agency shall cause a copy
of the notice of proposed rule adoption to be mailed to each person ((who)),
city, and county that has made a request to the agency for a mailed copy of
such notices. An agency may charge for the ((actual)) postage
cost of providing ((individual)) a requesting party mailed copies
of these notices.
(4) In addition to the notice required by subsections (1) and (2) of this section, an institution of higher education shall cause the notice to be published in the campus or standard newspaper of the institution at least seven days before the rule-making hearing.
Sec. 303. RCW 34.05.313 and 1993 c 202 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
((If,)) (1) During
the development of a rule or after its adoption, an agency ((determines
that implementation may produce unreasonable economic, procedural, or technical
burdens, agencies are encouraged to)) may develop methods for
measuring or testing the feasibility of ((compliance)) complying
with or administering the rule((, including the use of voluntary
pilot study groups)) and for identifying simple, efficient, and
economical alternatives for achieving the goal of the rule. ((Measuring
and testing methods should emphasize)) A pilot project shall include
public notice, participation by ((persons who have a recognized interest in
or are significantly affected by the adoption of the proposed rule)) volunteers
who are or will be subject to the rule, a high level of involvement from
agency management, ((consensus on issues and procedures among participants
in the pilot group, assurance of fairness, and)) reasonable completion
dates, and a process by which one or more parties may withdraw from the process
or the process may be terminated ((if consensus cannot be reached on the
rule)). Volunteers who agree to test a rule and attempt to meet the
requirements of the draft rule, to report periodically to the proposing agency
on the extent of their ability to meet the requirements of the draft rule, and
to make recommendations for improving the draft rule shall not be obligated to
comply fully with the rule being tested nor be subject to any enforcement
action or other sanction for failing to comply with the requirements of the
draft rule.
(2) An agency conducting a pilot rule project authorized under subsection (1) of this section may waive one or more provisions of agency rules otherwise applicable to participants in such a pilot project if the agency first determines that such a waiver is in the public interest and necessary to conduct the project. Such a waiver may be only for a stated period of time, not to exceed the duration of the project.
(3) The findings of the pilot project should be widely shared and, where appropriate, adopted as amendments to the rule.
(4) If an agency conducts a pilot rule project in lieu of meeting the requirements of the regulatory fairness act, chapter 19.85 RCW, the agency shall ensure the following conditions are met:
(a) If over ten small businesses are affected, there shall be at least ten small businesses in the test group and at least one-half of the volunteers participating in the pilot test group shall be small businesses.
(b)(i) If there are at least one hundred businesses affected, the participation by small businesses in the test group shall be as follows:
(A) Not less than twenty percent of the small businesses must employ twenty-six to fifty employees;
(B) Not less than twenty percent of the small businesses must employ eleven to twenty-six employees, and
(C) Not less than twenty percent of the small businesses must employ zero to ten employees.
(ii) If there do not exist a sufficient number of small businesses in each size category set forth in (b)(i) of this subsection willing to participate in the pilot project to meet the minimum requirements of that subsection, then the agency must comply with this section to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) The agency may not terminate the pilot project before completion.
(d) Before filing the notice of proposed rule making pursuant to RCW 34.05.320, the agency must prepare a report of the pilot rule project that includes:
(i) A description of the difficulties small businesses had in complying with the pilot rule;
(ii) A list of the recommended revisions to the rule to make compliance with the rule easier or to reduce the cost of compliance with the rule by the small businesses participating in the pilot rule project;
(iii) A written statement explaining the options it considered to resolve each of the difficulties described and a statement explaining its reasons for not including a recommendation by the pilot test group to revise the rule; and
(iv) If the agency was unable to meet the requirements set forth in (b)(i) of this subsection, a written explanation of why it was unable to do so and the steps the agency took to include small businesses in the pilot project.
Sec. 304. RCW 34.05.325 and 1994 c 249 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The agency shall make a good faith effort to insure that the information on the proposed rule published pursuant to RCW 34.05.320 accurately reflects the rule to be presented and considered at the oral hearing on the rule. Written comment about a proposed rule, including supporting data, shall be accepted by an agency if received no later than the time and date specified in the notice, or such later time and date established at the rule-making hearing.
(2) The agency shall provide an opportunity for oral comment to be received by the agency in a rule-making hearing.
(3) If the agency possesses equipment capable of receiving telefacsimile transmissions or recorded telephonic communications, the agency may provide in its notice of hearing filed under RCW 34.05.320 that interested parties may comment on proposed rules by these means. If the agency chooses to receive comments by these means, the notice of hearing shall provide instructions for making such comments, including, but not limited to, appropriate telephone numbers to be used; the date and time by which comments must be received; required methods to verify the receipt and authenticity of the comments; and any limitations on the number of pages for telefacsimile transmission comments and on the minutes of tape recorded comments. The agency shall accept comments received by these means for inclusion in the official record if the comments are made in accordance with the agency's instructions.
(4) The agency head, a member of the agency head, or a presiding officer designated by the agency head shall preside at the rule-making hearing. Rule-making hearings shall be open to the public. The agency shall cause a record to be made of the hearing by stenographic, mechanical, or electronic means. Unless the agency head presides or is present at substantially all the hearings, the presiding official shall prepare a memorandum for consideration by the agency head, summarizing the contents of the presentations made at the rule-making hearing. The summarizing memorandum is a public document and shall be made available to any person in accordance with chapter 42.17 RCW.
(5) Rule-making hearings are legislative in character and shall be reasonably conducted by the presiding official to afford interested persons the opportunity to present comment. Rule-making hearings may be continued to a later time and place established on the record without publication of further notice under RCW 34.05.320.
(6) ((Before the
adoption of a final rule)) (a) Except as otherwise provided in (c) of
this subsection, before it files an adopted rule with the code reviser, an
agency shall prepare a ((written summary of)) concise explanatory
statement of the rule:
(i) Identifying the agency's reasons for adopting the rule;
(ii) Describing differences between the text of the proposed rule as published in the register and the text of the rule as adopted, other than editing changes, stating the reasons for differences; and
(iii) Summarizing
all comments received regarding the proposed rule, and ((a substantive
response)) responding to the comments by category or subject matter,
indicating how the final rule reflects agency consideration of the comments, or
why it fails to do so.
(b) The agency
shall provide the ((written summary and response)) concise
explanatory statement to any person upon request or from whom the agency
received comment.
(c) This subsection does not apply to rules described in RCW 34.05.310(4).
NEW SECTION. Sec. 305. RCW 34.05.355 and 1994 c 249 s 8 & 1988 c 288 s 310 are each repealed.
PART IV
REGULATORY FAIRNESS ACT
NEW SECTION. Sec. 401. A new section is added to chapter 19.85 RCW to read as follows:
(1) Unless an agency receives a written objection to the expedited repeal of a rule, this chapter does not apply to a rule proposed for expedited repeal pursuant to section 701 of this act. If an agency receives a written objection to expedited repeal of the rule, this chapter applies to the rule-making proceeding.
(2) This chapter does not apply to the adoption of a rule described in RCW 34.05.310(4).
(3) An agency is not required to prepare a separate statement under this chapter if it prepared an analysis under section 201 of this act that makes the findings required and includes the mitigation required by this chapter and designates that part of the analysis that meets the requirements of this chapter.
Sec. 402. RCW 19.85.030 and 1994 c 249 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) In the adoption of any rule pursuant to RCW 34.05.320 that will impose more than minor costs on more than twenty percent of all industries, or more than ten percent of any one industry, the adopting agency:
(a) Shall reduce the economic impact of the rule on small business by doing one or more of the following when it is legal and feasible in meeting the stated objective of the statutes which are the basis of the proposed rule:
(i) Establish differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables for small businesses;
(ii) Clarify, consolidate, or simplify the compliance and reporting requirements under the rule for small businesses;
(iii) Establish performance rather than design standards;
(iv) Exempt small businesses from any or all requirements of the rule;
(v) Reduce or modify fine schedules for noncompliance; and
(vi) Other mitigation techniques;
(b) Before filing notice of a proposed rule, shall either:
(i) Prepare a small business economic impact statement in accordance with RCW 19.85.040 and file notice of how the person can obtain the statement with the code reviser as part of the notice required under RCW 34.05.320; or
(ii) Complete the pilot rule process as defined by RCW 34.05.313 before filing the notice of a proposed rule.
(2) If requested to do so by a majority vote of the joint administrative rules review committee within thirty days after notice of the proposed rule is published in the state register, an agency shall prepare a small business economic impact statement on the proposed rule before adoption of the rule. Upon completion, an agency shall provide a copy of the small business economic impact statement to any person requesting it.
(3) An agency may request assistance from the business assistance center in the preparation of the small business economic impact statement.
(4) The business assistance center shall develop guidelines to assist agencies in determining whether a proposed rule will impose more than minor costs on businesses in an industry and therefore require preparation of a small business economic impact statement. The business assistance center may review an agency determination that a proposed rule will not impose such costs, and shall advise the joint administrative rules review committee on disputes involving agency determinations under this section.
PART V
STRENGTHENED LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT
NEW SECTION. Sec. 501. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:
The joint administrative rules review committee shall not render a decision on a rule unless a quorum is present. A quorum shall consist of at least five members of the committee. Once a quorum is established, a majority of the quorum may render any decision except a suspension recommendation. A recommendation to suspend a rule under RCW 34.05.640 shall require a majority vote of the entire membership of the rules review committee.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 502. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:
(1) Any person potentially impacted by a proposed rule or currently impacted by an existing rule may petition the rules review committee for a review of that rule. Within thirty days of the receipt of the petition, the rules review committee shall acknowledge receipt of the petition and describe the initial action taken. If the rules review committee rejects the petition, a written statement of the reasons for rejection shall be included.
(2) Within ninety days of receipt of the petition, the rules review committee shall make a final decision on the rule.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 503. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:
Any individual employed or holding office in any department or agency of state government may submit rules warranting review to the rules review committee. Any such state employee is protected under chapter 42.40 RCW.
Sec. 504. RCW 34.05.660 and 1988 c 288 s 606 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) It is the express policy of the legislature that establishment of procedures for review of administrative rules by the legislature and the notice of objection required by RCW 34.05.630(2) and 34.05.640(2) in no way serves to establish a presumption as to the legality or constitutionality of a rule in any subsequent judicial proceedings interpreting such rules.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the joint administrative rules review committee recommends to the governor that an existing rule be suspended because it does not conform with the intent of the legislature, the recommendation shall establish a rebuttable presumption in any proceeding challenging the validity of the rule that the rule is invalid. The burden of demonstrating the rule's validity is then on the adopting agency.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 505. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The rules review committee may make reports from time to time to the members of the legislature and to the public with respect to any of its findings or recommendations. The committee shall keep complete minutes of its meetings.
(2) The committee may establish ad hoc advisory boards, including but not limited to, ad hoc economics or science advisory boards to assist the committee in its rules review functions.
(3) The committee may hire staff as needed to perform functions under this chapter.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 506. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:
In the discharge of any duty imposed under this chapter, the rules review committee may examine and inspect all properties, equipment, facilities, files, records, and accounts of any state office, department, institution, board, committee, commission, or agency, and administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any papers, books, accounts, documents, and testimony, and cause the deposition of witnesses, either residing within or without the state, to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for taking depositions in civil actions in the superior courts.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 507. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:
In case of the failure on the part of any person to comply with any subpoena issued in behalf of the rules review committee, or on the refusal of any witness to testify to any matters regarding which he or she may be lawfully interrogated, it is the duty of the superior court of any county, or of the judge thereof, on application of the committee, to compel obedience by proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from the court or a refusal to testify in the court.
Sec. 508. RCW 42.40.010 and 1982 c 208 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
It is the policy of the legislature that employees should be encouraged to disclose, to the extent not expressly prohibited by law, improper governmental actions, and it is the intent of the legislature to protect the rights of state employees making these disclosures. It is also the policy of the legislature that employees should be encouraged to identify rules warranting review or provide information to the rules review committee, and it is the intent of the legislature to protect the rights of these employees.
Sec. 509. RCW 42.40.020 and 1992 c 118 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
As used in this chapter, the terms defined in this section shall have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Auditor" means the office of the state auditor.
(2) "Employee" means any individual employed or holding office in any department or agency of state government.
(3)(a) "Improper governmental action" means any action by an employee:
(i) Which is undertaken in the performance of the employee's official duties, whether or not the action is within the scope of the employee's employment; and
(ii) Which is in violation of any state law or rule, is an abuse of authority, is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety, or is a gross waste of public funds.
(b) "Improper
governmental action" does not include personnel actions including but not
limited to employee grievances, complaints, appointments, promotions,
transfers, assignments, reassignments, reinstatements, restorations,
reemployments, performance evaluations, reductions in pay, dismissals, suspensions,
demotions, violations of the state civil service law, alleged labor agreement
violations, reprimands, or any action which may be taken under chapter 41.06 ((or
28B.16)) RCW, or other disciplinary action except as provided in RCW
42.40.030.
(4) "Use of
official authority or influence" includes taking, directing others to
take, recommending, processing, or approving any personnel action such as an
appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment, reassignment, reinstatement,
restoration, reemployment, performance evaluation, or any adverse action under
chapter 41.06 ((or 28B.16)) RCW, or other disciplinary action.
(5) "Whistleblower" means an employee who in good faith reports alleged improper governmental action to the auditor, initiating an investigation under RCW 42.40.040. For purposes of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 49.60 RCW relating to reprisals and retaliatory action, the term "whistleblower" also means: (a) An employee who in good faith provides information to the auditor in connection with an investigation under RCW 42.40.040 and an employee who is believed to have reported alleged improper governmental action to the auditor or to have provided information to the auditor in connection with an investigation under RCW 42.40.040 but who, in fact, has not reported such action or provided such information; or (b) an employee who in good faith identifies rules warranting review or provides information to the rules review committee, and an employee who is believed to have identified rules warranting review or provided information to the rules review committee but who, in fact, has not done so.
Sec. 510. RCW 42.40.030 and 1989 c 284 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) An employee shall not directly or indirectly use or attempt to use the employee's official authority or influence for the purpose of intimidating, threatening, coercing, commanding, influencing, or attempting to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of the individual to: (a) Disclose to the auditor (or representative thereof) information concerning improper governmental action; or (b) identify rules warranting review or provide information to the rules review committee.
(2) Nothing in this section authorizes an individual to disclose information otherwise prohibited by law.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 511. The following acts or parts of acts, as now existing or hereafter amended, are each repealed, effective December 1, 1996:
(1) RCW 34.05.610 and 1988 c 288 s 601, 1983 c 53 s 1, & 1981 c 324 s 5;
(2) RCW 34.05.620 and 1994 c 249 s 17, 1988 c 288 s 602, 1987 c 451 s 1, & 1981 c 324 s 6;
(3) RCW 34.05.630 and 1993 c 249 s 18, 1993 c 277 s 1, 1988 c 288 s 603, 1987 c 451 s 2, & 1981 c 324 s 7;
(4) RCW 34.05.640 and 1994 c 249 s 19, 1993 c 277 s 2, 1988 c 288 s 604, 1987 c 451 s 3, & 1981 c 324 s 8; and
(5) RCW 34.05.650 and 1988 c 288 s 605, 1987 c 451 s 4, & 1981 c 324 s 9.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 512. Before the 1996 legislative session, the appropriate standing committees of the legislature shall study alternative means to provide effective, objective oversight of state agency rule making, and make a recommendation whether the joint administrative rules review committee should be continued or replaced.
PART VI
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
NEW SECTION. Sec. 601. The legislature finds that, due to the volume and complexity of laws and rules it is appropriate for regulatory agencies to adopt programs and policies that encourage voluntary compliance by those affected by specific rules. The legislature recognizes that a cooperative partnership between agencies and regulated parties that emphasizes education and assistance before the imposition of penalties will achieve greater compliance with laws and rules and that most individuals and businesses who are subject to regulation will attempt to comply with the law, particularly if they are given sufficient information. In this context, enforcement should assure that the majority of a regulated community that complies with the law are not placed at a competitive disadvantage and that a continuing failure to comply that is within the control of a party who has received technical assistance is considered by an agency when it determines the amount of any civil penalty that is issued.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 602. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Civil penalty" means a monetary penalty administratively issued by a regulatory agency for noncompliance with state or federal law or rules. The term does not include any criminal penalty, damage assessments, wages, premiums, or taxes owed, or interest or late fees on any existing obligation.
(2) "Regulatory agency" means an agency as defined in RCW 34.05.010 that has the authority to issue civil penalties. The term does not include the state patrol or any institution of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016.
(3) "Technical assistance" includes:
(a) Information on the laws, rules, and compliance methods and technologies applicable to the regulatory agency's programs;
(b) Information on methods to avoid compliance problems;
(c) Assistance in applying for permits; and
(d) Information on the mission, goals, and objectives of the program.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 603. All regulatory agencies shall develop programs to encourage voluntary compliance by providing technical assistance consistent with statutory requirements. The programs shall include but are not limited to technical assistance visits, printed information, information and assistance by telephone, training meetings, and other appropriate methods to provide technical assistance. In addition, all regulatory agencies shall provide upon request a list of organizations, including private companies, that provide technical assistance. This list shall be compiled by the agencies from information submitted by the organizations and shall not constitute an endorsement by an agency of any organization.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 604. (1) For the purposes of this chapter, a technical assistance visit is a visit by a regulatory agency to a facility, business, or other location that:
(a) Has been requested or is voluntarily accepted; and
(b) Is declared by the regulatory agency at the beginning of the visit to be a technical assistance visit.
(2) A technical assistance visit also includes a consultative visit pursuant to RCW 49.17.250.
(3) During a technical assistance visit, or within a reasonable time thereafter, a regulatory agency shall inform the owner or operator of the facility of any violations of law or agency rules identified by the agency as follows:
(a) A description of the condition that is not in compliance and a specific citation to the applicable law or rule;
(b) A statement of what is required to achieve compliance;
(c) The date by which the agency requires compliance to be achieved;
(d) Notice of the means to contact any technical assistance services provided by the agency or others; and
(e) Notice of when, where, and to whom a request to extend the time to achieve compliance for good cause may be filed with the agency.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 605. The owner and operator shall be given a reasonable period of time to correct violations identified during a technical assistance visit before any civil penalty provided for by law is imposed for those violations. A regulatory agency may revisit a facility, business, or other location after a technical assistance visit and a reasonable period of time has passed to correct violations identified by the agency in writing and issue civil penalties as provided for by law for any uncorrected violations.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 606. A regulatory agency that observes a violation during a technical assistance visit may issue a civil penalty as provided for by law if: (1) The individual or business has previously been subject to an enforcement action for the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule or has been given previous notice of the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule; or (2) the issue involves sales taxes due to the state and the individual or business is not remitting previously collected sales taxes to the state; or (3) the violation has a probability of placing a person in danger of death or bodily harm, has a probability of causing more than minor environmental harm, or has a probability of causing physical damage to the property of another in an amount exceeding one thousand dollars.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 607. (1) If in the course of any site inspection or visit that is not a technical assistance visit, the department of ecology becomes aware of conditions that are not in compliance with applicable laws and rules enforced by the department and are not subject to civil penalties as provided for in section 608 of this act, the department may issue a notice of correction to the responsible party that shall include:
(a) A description of the condition that is not in compliance and a specific citation to the applicable law or rule;
(b) A statement of what is required to achieve compliance;
(c) The date by which the department requires compliance to be achieved;
(d) Notice of the means to contact any technical assistance services provided by the department or others; and
(e) Notice of when, where, and to whom a request to extend the time to achieve compliance for good cause may be filed with the department.
(2) A notice of correction is not a formal enforcement action, is not subject to appeal, and is a public record.
(3) If the department issues a notice of correction, it shall not issue a civil penalty for the violations identified in the notice of correction unless the responsible party fails to comply with the notice.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 608. The department of ecology may issue a civil penalty provided for by law without first issuing a notice of correction if: (1) The person has previously been subject to an enforcement action for the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule or has been given previous notice of the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule; or (2) compliance is not achieved by the date established by the department in a previously issued notice of correction, if the department has responded to any request for review of such date by reaffirming the original date or establishing a new date; or (3) the violation has a probability of placing a person in danger of death or bodily harm, has a probability of causing more than minor environmental harm, or has a probability of causing physical damage to the property of another in an amount exceeding one thousand dollars.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 609. The provisions of sections 607 and 608 of this act affecting civil penalties issued by the department of ecology shall not apply to civil penalties for negligent discharge of oil as authorized under RCW 90.56.330 or to civil penalties as authorized under RCW 90.03.600 for unlawful use of water in violation of RCW 90.03.250 or 90.44.050.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 610. (1) Following a consultative visit pursuant to RCW 49.17.250, the department of labor and industries shall issue a report to the employer that the employer shall make available to its employees. The report shall contain:
(a) A description of the condition that is not in compliance and a specific citation to the applicable law or rule;
(b) A statement of what is required to achieve compliance;
(c) The date by which the department requires compliance to be achieved;
(d) Notice of means to contact technical assistance services provided by the department; and
(e) Notice of when, where, and to whom a request to extend the time to achieve compliance for good cause may be filed with the department.
(2) Following a compliance inspection pursuant to RCW 49.17.120, the department of labor and industries shall issue a citation for violations of industrial safety and health standards. The citation shall not assess a penalty if the violations:
(a) Are determined not to be of a serious nature;
(b) Have not been previously cited;
(c) Are not willful; and
(d) Do not have a mandatory penalty under chapter 49.17 RCW.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 611. The date for compliance established by the department of ecology or the department of labor and industries pursuant to section 607 or 610 of this act respectively shall provide for a reasonable time to achieve compliance. Any person receiving a notice of correction pursuant to section 607 of this act or a report or citation pursuant to section 610 of this act may request an extension of time to achieve compliance for good cause from the issuing department. Requests shall be submitted to the issuing department and responded to by the issuing department in writing in accordance with procedures specified by the issuing department in the notice, report, or citation.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 612. (1) If in the course of any inspection or visit that is not a technical assistance visit, the department of agriculture, fish and wildlife, health, licensing, or natural resources becomes aware of conditions that are not in compliance with applicable laws and rules enforced by the department and are not subject to civil penalties as provided for in section 613 of this act, the department may issue a notice of correction to the responsible party that shall include:
(a) A description of the condition that is not in compliance and a specific citation to the applicable law or rule;
(b) A statement of what is required to achieve compliance;
(c) The date by which the department requires compliance to be achieved;
(d) Notice of the means to contact any technical assistance services provided by the department or others; and
(e) Notice of when, where, and to whom a request to extend the time to achieve compliance for good cause may be filed with the department.
(2) A notice of correction is not a formal enforcement action, is not subject to appeal, and is a public record.
(3) If the department issues a notice of correction, it shall not issue a civil penalty for the violations identified in the notice of correction unless the responsible party fails to comply with the notice.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 613. The department of agriculture, fish and wildlife, health, licensing, or natural resources may issue a civil penalty provided for by law without first issuing a notice of correction if: (1) The person has previously been subject to an enforcement action for the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule or has been given previous notice of the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule; or (2) compliance is not achieved by the date established by the department in a previously issued notice of correction, if the department has responded to any request for review of such date by reaffirming the original date or establishing a new date; (3) the violation has a probability of placing a person in danger of death or bodily harm, has a probability of causing more than minor environmental harm, or has a probability of causing physical damage to the property of another in an amount exceeding one thousand dollars; or (4) the violation was committed by a business that employed fifty or more employees on at least one day in each of the preceding twelve months. In addition, the department of fish and wildlife may issue a civil penalty provided for by law without first issuing a notice of correction for a violation of any rule dealing with seasons, catch or bag limits, gear types, or geographical areas for fish or wildlife removal, reporting, or disposal.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 614. The date for compliance established by the department of ecology, labor and industries, agriculture, fish and wildlife, health, licensing, or natural resources pursuant to section 607, 610, or 612 of this act respectively shall provide for a reasonable time to achieve compliance. Any person receiving a notice of correction pursuant to section 607 or 612 of this act or a report or citation pursuant to section 610 of this act may request an extension of time to achieve compliance for good cause from the issuing department. Requests shall be submitted to the issuing department and responded to by the issuing department in writing in accordance with procedures specified by the issuing department in the notice, report, or citation.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 615. The departments of revenue and labor and industries and the employment security department shall undertake an educational program directed at those who have the most difficulty in determining their tax or premium liability. The departments may rely on information from internal data, trade associations, and businesses to determine which entities should be selected. The educational programs may include, but not be limited to, targeted informational fact sheets, self-audits, or workshops, and may be presented individually by the agency or in conjunction with other agencies.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 616. The department of revenue, the department of labor and industries in respect to its duties in Title 51 RCW, and the employment security department shall develop and administer a pilot voluntary audit program. Voluntary audits can be requested by businesses from any of these agencies according to guidelines established by each agency. No penalty assessments may be made against participants in such a program except when the agency determines that either a good faith effort has not been made by the taxpayer or premium payer to comply with the law or that the taxpayer has failed to remit previously collected sales taxes to the state. The persons conducting the voluntary audit shall provide the business undergoing the voluntary audit an audit report that describes errors or omissions found and future reporting instructions. This program does not relieve a business from past or future tax or premium obligations.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 617. The departments of revenue and labor and industries and the employment security department shall each review the penalties it issues related to taxes or premiums to determine if they are consistent and provide for waivers in appropriate circumstances. Each department shall report the results of its review to the legislature no later than December 1, 1995.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 618. Nothing in this chapter obligates a regulatory agency to conduct a technical assistance visit. The state and officers or employees of the state shall not be liable for damages to a person to the extent that liability is asserted to arise from providing technical assistance, or if liability is asserted to arise from the failure of the state or officers or employees of the state to provide technical assistance. This chapter does not limit the authority of any regulatory agency to take any enforcement action, other than a civil penalty, authorized by law. This chapter shall not limit a regulatory agency's authority to issue a civil penalty as authorized by law based upon a person's failure to comply with specific terms and conditions of any permit or license issued by the agency to that person.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 619. Agency rules, guidelines, and procedures necessary to implement this act shall be established and implemented expeditiously and not later than July 1, 1996.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 620. If a regulatory agency determines any part of this chapter to be in conflict with federal law or program requirements, in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, or in conflict with the requirements for eligibility of employers in this state for federal unemployment tax credits, the conflicting part of this chapter shall be inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict. Any rules under this chapter shall meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state or the granting of federal unemployment tax credits to employers in this state.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 621. If notified by responsible federal officials of any conflict of this chapter with federal law or program requirements or with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the regulatory agency notified of the conflict shall actively seek to resolve the conflict. If the agency determines that the conflict cannot be resolved without loss of benefits or authority to the state, the agency shall notify the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives in writing within thirty days of making that determination.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 622. (1) By January 31, 1996, and by January 31st of each even-numbered year thereafter, the office of financial management, after consulting with state regulatory agencies, counties, and cities, and business, labor, and environmental organizations, shall report to the governor and the legislature regarding the effects of this chapter on the regulatory system in this state. The report shall document:
(a) Technical assistance, including but not limited to technical assistance visits, provided by state regulatory agencies consistent with this chapter;
(b) Any rules adopted, guidelines developed, or training conducted to implement this chapter;
(c) Any changes in the appropriation, allocation, or expenditure of regulatory agency resources to implement this chapter;
(d) Any legal action against state regulatory agencies for any alleged failure to comply with this chapter, the costs to the state of the action, and the result;
(e) The extent to which this chapter has resulted in either an increase or decrease in regulatory agency use of civil penalties;
(f) The extent to which this chapter has contributed to any change in voluntary compliance with state statutes or rules;
(g) The extent to which this chapter has improved the acceptability or effectiveness of state regulatory procedures; and
(h) Any other information considered by the office of financial management to be useful in evaluating the effect of this chapter.
(2) This section shall expire June 30, 2000.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 623. A new section is added to chapter 43.12 RCW to read as follows:
Enforcement action taken after the effective date of this section by the commissioner of public lands shall be in accordance with sections 614 and 615 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 624. A new section is added to chapter 43.23 RCW to read as follows:
Enforcement action taken after the effective date of this section by the director or the department of agriculture shall be in accordance with sections 614 and 615 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 625. A new section is added to chapter 43.24 RCW to read as follows:
Enforcement action taken after the effective date of this section by the director or the department of licensing shall be in accordance with sections 614 and 615 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 626. A new section is added to chapter 43.30 RCW to read as follows:
Enforcement action taken after the effective date of this section by the commissioner or supervisor of public lands shall be in accordance with sections 614 and 615 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 627. A new section is added to chapter 43.70 RCW to read as follows:
Enforcement action taken after the effective date of this section by the director or the department shall be in accordance with sections 614 and 615 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 628. A new section is added to chapter 43.300 RCW to read as follows:
Enforcement action taken after the effective date of this section by the director or the department shall be in accordance with sections 614 and 615 of this act.
Sec. 629. RCW 18.104.155 and 1993 c 387 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, the department of ecology may assess a civil penalty for a violation of this chapter or rules or orders of the department adopted or issued pursuant to it.
(2) There shall be three categories of violations: Minor, serious, and major.
(a) A minor violation is a violation that does not seriously threaten public health, safety, and the environment. Minor violations include, but are not limited to:
(i) Failure to submit completed start cards and well reports within the required time;
(ii) Failure to submit variance requests before construction;
(iii) Failure to submit well construction fees;
(iv) Failure to place a well identification tag on a new well; and
(v) Minor or reparable construction problems.
(b) A serious violation is a violation that poses a critical or serious threat to public health, safety, and the environment. Serious violations include, but are not limited to:
(i) Improper well construction;
(ii) Intentional and improper location or siting of a well;
(iii) Construction of a well without a required permit;
(iv) Violation of decommissioning requirements;
(v) Repeated minor violations; or
(vi) Construction of a well by a person whose license has expired or has been suspended for not more than ninety days.
(c) A major violation is the construction of a well by a person:
(i) Without a license; or
(ii) After the person's license has been suspended for more than ninety days or revoked.
(3)(a) The penalty for a minor violation shall be not less than one hundred dollars and not more than five hundred dollars. Before the imposition of a penalty for a minor violation, the department may issue an order of noncompliance to provide an opportunity for mitigation or compliance.
(b) The penalty for a serious violation shall be not less than five hundred dollars and not more than five thousand dollars.
(c) The penalty for a major violation shall be not less than five thousand dollars and not more than ten thousand dollars.
(4) In determining the appropriate penalty under subsection (3) of this section the department shall consider whether the person:
(a) Has demonstrated a general disregard for public health and safety through the number and magnitude of the violations;
(b) Has demonstrated a disregard for the well construction laws or rules in repeated or continuous violations; or
(c) Knew or reasonably should have known of circumstances that resulted in the violation.
(5) Penalties provided for in this section shall be imposed pursuant to RCW 43.21B.300. The department shall provide thirty days written notice of a violation as provided in RCW 43.21B.300(3).
(6) For informational purposes, a copy of the notice of violation, resulting from the improper construction of a well, that is sent to a water well contractor or water well construction operator, shall also be sent by the department to the well owner.
(7) Penalties collected by the department pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the reclamation account established by chapter 89.16 RCW. Subject to legislative appropriation, the penalties may be spent only for purposes related to the restoration and enhancement of ground water resources in the state.
Sec. 630. RCW 49.17.180 and 1991 c 108 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in section 610 of this act, any employer who willfully or repeatedly violates the requirements of RCW 49.17.060, of any safety or health standard promulgated under the authority of this chapter, of any existing rule or regulation governing the conditions of employment promulgated by the department, or of any order issued granting a variance under RCW 49.17.080 or 49.17.090 may be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed seventy thousand dollars for each violation. A minimum penalty of five thousand dollars shall be assessed for a willful violation.
(2) Any employer who has received a citation for a serious violation of the requirements of RCW 49.17.060, of any safety or health standard promulgated under the authority of this chapter, of any existing rule or regulation governing the conditions of employment promulgated by the department, or of any order issued granting a variance under RCW 49.17.080 or 49.17.090 as determined in accordance with subsection (6) of this section, shall be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed seven thousand dollars for each such violation.
(3) Any employer who has received a citation for a violation of the requirements of RCW 49.17.060, of any safety or health standard promulgated under this chapter, of any existing rule or regulation governing the conditions of employment promulgated by the department, or of any order issued granting a variance under RCW 49.17.080 or 49.17.090, where such violation is specifically determined not to be of a serious nature as provided in subsection (6) of this section, may be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed seven thousand dollars for each such violation, unless such violation is determined to be de minimis.
(4) Any employer who fails to correct a violation for which a citation has been issued under RCW 49.17.120 or 49.17.130 within the period permitted for its correction, which period shall not begin to run until the date of the final order of the board of industrial insurance appeals in the case of any review proceedings under this chapter initiated by the employer in good faith and not solely for delay or avoidance of penalties, may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than seven thousand dollars for each day during which such failure or violation continues.
(5) Any employer who violates any of the posting requirements of this chapter, or any of the posting requirements of rules promulgated by the department pursuant to this chapter related to employee or employee representative's rights to notice, including but not limited to those employee rights to notice set forth in RCW 49.17.080, 49.17.090, 49.17.120, 49.17.130, 49.17.220(1) and 49.17.240(2), shall be assessed a penalty not to exceed seven thousand dollars for each such violation. Any employer who violates any of the posting requirements for the posting of informational, educational, or training materials under the authority of RCW 49.17.050(7), may be assessed a penalty not to exceed seven thousand dollars for each such violation.
(6) For the purposes of this section, a serious violation shall be deemed to exist in a work place if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition which exists, or from one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes which have been adopted or are in use in such work place, unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation.
(7) The director, or his authorized representatives, shall have authority to assess all civil penalties provided in this section, giving due consideration to the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the number of affected employees of the employer being charged, the gravity of the violation, the size of the employer's business, the good faith of the employer, and the history of previous violations.
(8) Civil penalties imposed under this chapter shall be paid to the director for deposit in the supplemental pension fund established by RCW 51.44.033. Civil penalties may be recovered in a civil action in the name of the department brought in the superior court of the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred, or the department may utilize the procedures for collection of civil penalties as set forth in RCW 51.48.120 through 51.48.150.
Sec. 631. RCW 70.94.431 and 1991 c 199 s 311 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, and in addition to or as an alternate to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates any of the provisions of chapter 70.94 RCW, chapter 70.120 RCW, or any of the rules in force under such chapters may incur a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars per day for each violation. Each such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation, each day's continuance shall be a separate and distinct violation.
Any person who fails to take action as specified by an order issued pursuant to this chapter shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars for each day of continued noncompliance.
(2) Penalties incurred but not paid shall accrue interest, beginning on the ninety-first day following the date that the penalty becomes due and payable, at the highest rate allowed by RCW 19.52.020 on the date that the penalty becomes due and payable. If violations or penalties are appealed, interest shall not begin to accrue until the thirty-first day following final resolution of the appeal.
The maximum penalty amounts established in this section may be increased annually to account for inflation as determined by the state office of the economic and revenue forecast council.
(3) Each act of commission or omission which procures, aids or abets in the violation shall be considered a violation under the provisions of this section and subject to the same penalty. The penalties provided in this section shall be imposed pursuant to RCW 43.21B.300.
(4) All penalties recovered under this section by the department shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the air pollution control account established in RCW 70.94.015 or, if recovered by the authority, shall be paid into the treasury of the authority and credited to its funds. If a prior penalty for the same violation has been paid to a local authority, the penalty imposed by the department under subsection (1) of this section shall be reduced by the amount of the payment.
(5) To secure the penalty incurred under this section, the state or the authority shall have a lien on any vessel used or operated in violation of this chapter which shall be enforced as provided in RCW 60.36.050.
(6) Public or private entities that are recipients or potential recipients of department grants, whether for air quality related activities or not, may have such grants rescinded or withheld by the department for failure to comply with provisions of this chapter.
(7) In addition to other penalties provided by this chapter, persons knowingly under-reporting emissions or other information used to set fees, or persons required to pay emission or permit fees who are more than ninety days late with such payments may be subject to a penalty equal to three times the amount of the original fee owed.
(8) By January 1, 1992, the department shall develop rules for excusing excess emissions from enforcement action if such excess emissions are unavoidable. The rules shall specify the criteria and procedures for the department and local air authorities to determine whether a period of excess emissions is excusable in accordance with the state implementation plan.
Sec. 632. RCW 70.105.080 and 1987 c 109 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, every person who fails to comply with any provision of this chapter or of the rules adopted thereunder shall be subjected to a penalty in an amount of not more than ten thousand dollars per day for every such violation. Each and every such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense. In case of continuing violation, every day's continuance shall be a separate and distinct violation. Every person who, through an act of commission or omission, procures, aids, or abets in the violation shall be considered to have violated the provisions of this section and shall be subject to the penalty herein provided.
(2) The penalty provided for in this section shall be imposed pursuant to the procedures in RCW 43.21B.300.
Sec. 633. RCW 70.132.050 and 1982 c 113 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding five hundred dollars for each violation. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation.
Sec. 634. RCW 70.138.040 and 1987 c 528 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as
provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, any person who violates
any provision of a department regulation or regulatory order relating to the
management of special incinerator ash shall incur in addition to any other
penalty provided by law, a penalty in an amount up to ten thousand dollars a
day for every such violation. Each and every such violation shall be a
separate and distinct offense. ((If [In])) In case of continuing
violation, every day's continuance shall be a separate and distinct violation.
Every person who, through an act of commission or omission, procures, aids, or
abets in the violation shall be considered to have violated the provisions of
this section and shall be subject to the penalty herein provided.
(2) The penalty provided for in this section shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the same from the department, describing the violation with reasonable particularity. Within fifteen days after the notice is received, the person incurring the penalty may apply in writing to the department for the remission or mitigation of such penalty. Upon receipt of the application, the department may remit or mitigate the penalty upon whatever terms the department in its discretion deems proper, giving consideration to the degree of hazard associated with the violation, provided the department deems such remission or mitigation to be in the best interests of carrying out the purposes of this chapter. The department shall have authority to ascertain the facts regarding all such applications in such reasonable manner and under such rules as it may deem proper.
(3) Any penalty imposed by this section shall become due and payable thirty days after receipt of a notice imposing the same unless application for remission or mitigation is made or petition for review by the hearings board is filed. When such an application for remission or mitigation is made, any penalty incurred pursuant to this section shall become due and payable thirty days after receipt of notice setting forth the disposition of such application.
(4) If the amount of any penalty is not paid to the department within thirty days after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon the request of the director, shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county, or any county in which such violator may do business, to recover such penalty. In all such actions, the procedure and rules of evidence shall be the same as an ordinary civil action except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
Sec. 635. RCW 86.16.081 and 1987 c 523 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, the attorney general or the attorney for the local government shall bring such injunctive, declaratory, or other actions as are necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter.
(2) Any person who fails to comply with this chapter shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars for each violation. Each violation or each day of noncompliance shall constitute a separate violation.
(3) The penalty provided for in this section shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the same from the department or local government, describing the violation with reasonable particularity and ordering the act or acts constituting the violation or violations to cease and desist or, in appropriate cases, requiring necessary corrective action to be taken within a specific and reasonable time.
(4) Any penalty imposed pursuant to this section by the department shall be subject to review by the pollution control hearings board. Any penalty imposed pursuant to this section by local government shall be subject to review by the local government legislative authority. Any penalty jointly imposed by the department and local government shall be appealed to the pollution control hearings board.
Sec. 636. RCW 90.03.600 and 1987 c 109 s 157 are each amended to read as follows:
Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, the power is granted to the department of ecology to levy civil penalties of up to one hundred dollars per day for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter and chapters 43.83B, 90.22, and 90.44 RCW, and rules, permits, and similar documents and regulatory orders of the department of ecology adopted or issued pursuant to such chapters. The procedures of RCW 90.48.144 shall be applicable to all phases of the levying of a penalty as well as review and appeal of the same.
Sec. 637. RCW 90.48.144 and 1992 c 73 s 27 are each amended to read as follows:
Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, every person who:
(1) Violates the terms or conditions of a waste discharge permit issued pursuant to RCW 90.48.180 or 90.48.260 through 90.48.262, or
(2) Conducts a commercial or industrial operation or other point source discharge operation without a waste discharge permit as required by RCW 90.48.160 or 90.48.260 through 90.48.262, or
(3) Violates the provisions of RCW 90.48.080, or other sections of this chapter or chapter 90.56 RCW or rules or orders adopted or issued pursuant to either of those chapters, shall incur, in addition to any other penalty as provided by law, a penalty in an amount of up to ten thousand dollars a day for every such violation. Each and every such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation, every day's continuance shall be and be deemed to be a separate and distinct violation. Every act of commission or omission which procures, aids or abets in the violation shall be considered a violation under the provisions of this section and subject to the penalty herein provided for. The penalty amount shall be set in consideration of the previous history of the violator and the severity of the violation's impact on public health and/or the environment in addition to other relevant factors. The penalty herein provided for shall be imposed pursuant to the procedures set forth in RCW 43.21B.300.
Sec. 638. RCW 90.58.210 and 1986 c 292 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, the attorney general or the attorney for the local government shall bring such injunctive, declaratory, or other actions as are necessary to insure that no uses are made of the shorelines of the state in conflict with the provisions and programs of this chapter, and to otherwise enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Any person who shall fail to conform to the terms of a permit issued under this chapter or who shall undertake development on the shorelines of the state without first obtaining any permit required under this chapter shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars for each violation. Each permit violation or each day of continued development without a required permit shall constitute a separate violation.
(3) The penalty provided for in this section shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the same from the department or local government, describing the violation with reasonable particularity and ordering the act or acts constituting the violation or violations to cease and desist or, in appropriate cases, requiring necessary corrective action to be taken within a specific and reasonable time.
(4) Within thirty days after the notice is received, the person incurring the penalty may apply in writing to the department for remission or mitigation of such penalty. Upon receipt of the application, the department or local government may remit or mitigate the penalty upon whatever terms the department or local government in its discretion deems proper. Any penalty imposed pursuant to this section by the department shall be subject to review by the shorelines hearings board. Any penalty imposed pursuant to this section by local government shall be subject to review by the local government legislative authority. Any penalty jointly imposed by the department and local government shall be appealed to the shorelines hearings board.
Sec. 639. RCW 90.58.560 and 1983 c 138 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, a person who violates RCW 90.58.550, or any rule adopted thereunder, is subject to a penalty in an amount of up to five thousand dollars a day for every such violation. Each and every such violation shall be a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation, every day's continuance shall be and be deemed to be a separate and distinct violation. Every act of commission or omission which procures, aids or abets in the violation shall be considered a violation under the provisions of this section and subject to the penalty provided for in this section.
(2) The penalty shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the penalty from the director or the director's representative describing such violation with reasonable particularity. The director or the director's representative may, upon written application therefor received within fifteen days after notice imposing any penalty is received by the person incurring the penalty, and when deemed to carry out the purposes of this chapter, remit or mitigate any penalty provided for in this section upon such terms as he or she deems proper, and shall have authority to ascertain the facts upon all such applications in such manner and under such regulations as he or she may deem proper.
(3) Any person incurring any penalty under this section may appeal the penalty to the hearings board as provided for in chapter 43.21B RCW. Such appeals shall be filed within thirty days of receipt of notice imposing any penalty unless an application for remission or mitigation is made to the department. When an application for remission or mitigation is made, such appeals shall be filed within thirty days of receipt of notice from the director or the director's representative setting forth the disposition of the application. Any penalty imposed under this section shall become due and payable thirty days after receipt of a notice imposing the same unless application for remission or mitigation is made or an appeal is filed. When an application for remission or mitigation is made, any penalty incurred hereunder shall become due and payable thirty days after receipt of notice setting forth the disposition of the application unless an appeal is filed from such disposition. Whenever an appeal of any penalty incurred under this section is filed, the penalty shall become due and payable only upon completion of all review proceedings and the issuance of a final order confirming the penalty in whole or in part.
(4) If the amount of any penalty is not paid to the department within thirty days after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon the request of the director, shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county or of any county in which such violator may do business, to recover such penalty. In all such actions the procedure and rules of evidence shall be the same as an ordinary civil action except as otherwise in this chapter provided. All penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the general fund.
Sec. 640. RCW 90.76.080 and 1989 c 346 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, a person who fails to notify the department pursuant to tank notification requirements or who submits false information is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars per violation.
(2) Except as provided in sections 607 through 609 of this act, a person who violates this chapter is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars for each tank per day of violation.
PART VII
RULES REVIEW
NEW SECTION. Sec. 701. A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW under the subchapter heading Part III to read as follows:
(1) Not later than June 30th of each year, each agency shall submit to the code reviser, according to procedures and time lines established by the code reviser, rules that it determines should be repealed by the expedited repeal procedures provided for in this section. An agency shall file a copy of a preproposal notice of intent, as provided in RCW 34.05.310(1), that identifies the rule as one that is proposed for expedited repeal.
(2) An agency may propose the expedited repeal of rules meeting one or more of the following criteria:
(a) The statute on which the rule is based has been repealed and has not been replaced by another statute providing statutory authority for the rule;
(b) The statute on which the rule is based has been declared unconstitutional by a court with jurisdiction, there is a final judgment, and no statute has been enacted to replace the unconstitutional statute;
(c) The rule is no longer necessary because of changed circumstances; or
(d) Other rules of the agency or of another agency govern the same activity as the rule, making the rule redundant.
(3) The agency shall also send a copy of the preproposal notice of intent to any person who has requested notification of copies of proposals for the expedited repeal of rules or of agency rule making. The preproposal notice of intent shall include a statement that any person who objects to the repeal of the rule must file a written objection to the repeal within thirty days after the preproposal notice of intent is published. The notice of intent shall also include an explanation of the reasons the agency believes the expedited repeal of the rule is appropriate.
(4) The code reviser shall publish all rules proposed for expedited repeal in a separate section of a regular edition of the Washington state register or in a special edition of the Washington state register. The publication shall be not later than July 31st, or in the first register published after that date.
(5) Any person may file a written objection to the expedited repeal of a rule. The notice shall be filed with the agency rules coordinator within thirty days after the notice of intent has been published in the Washington state register. The written objection need not state any reason for objecting to the expedited repeal of the rule.
(6) If no written objections to the expedited repeal of a rule are filed with the agency within thirty days after the preproposal notice of intent is published, the agency may enter an order repealing the rule without further notice or an opportunity for a public hearing. The order shall be published in the manner required by this chapter for any other order of the agency adopting, amending, or repealing a rule. If a written objection to the expedited repeal of the rule is filed with the agency within thirty days after the notice of intent has been published, the preproposal notice of intent published pursuant to this section shall be considered a preproposal notice of intent for the purposes of RCW 34.05.310(1) and the agency may initiate rule adoption proceedings in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Sec. 702. RCW 34.05.230 and 1988 c 288 s 203 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) If the adoption of rules is not feasible and practicable, an agency is encouraged to advise the public of its current opinions, approaches, and likely courses of action by means of interpretive or policy statements. Current interpretive and policy statements are advisory only. An agency is encouraged to convert long-standing interpretive and policy statements into rules.
(2) A person may petition an agency requesting the adoption of a rule to supersede one or more specified principles of law or policy used by the agency as part of the basis for its decisions in particular cases.
(3) The agency shall:
(a) Notify the joint administrative rules review committee of the request; and
(b) Adopt such a rule as soon as feasible and to the extent practicable, and in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
(4) Each agency shall maintain a roster of interested persons, consisting of persons who have requested in writing to be notified of all interpretive and policy statements issued by that agency. Each agency shall update the roster once each year and eliminate persons who do not indicate a desire to continue on the roster. Whenever an agency issues an interpretive or policy statement, it shall send a copy of the statement to each person listed on the roster. The agency may charge a nominal fee to the interested person for this service.
Sec. 703. RCW 34.05.330 and 1988 c 288 s 305 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Any person
may petition an agency requesting the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any
rule. ((Each agency may)) The office of financial management shall
prescribe by rule the ((form)) format for such petitions and the
procedure for their submission, consideration, and disposition and provide a
standard form that may be used to petition any agency. Within sixty days
after submission of a petition, the agency shall (((1))) either (a)
deny the petition in writing, stating (i) its reasons for the denial, specifically
addressing the concerns raised by the petitioner, and, where appropriate, (ii)
the alternative means by which it will address the concerns raised by the
petitioner, or (((2))) (b) initiate rule-making proceedings
in accordance with this chapter.
(2) If an agency denies a petition to repeal or amend a rule submitted under subsection (1) of this section, the petitioner, within thirty days of the denial, may appeal the denial to the governor. The governor shall immediately file notice of the appeal with the code reviser for publication in the Washington state register. Within forty-five days after receiving the appeal, the governor shall either (a) deny the petition in writing, stating (i) his or her reasons for the denial, specifically addressing the concerns raised by the petitioner, and, (ii) where appropriate, the alternative means by which he or she will address the concerns raised by the petitioner; (b) for agencies listed in RCW 43.17.010, direct the agency to initiate rule-making proceedings in accordance with this chapter; or (c) for agencies not listed in RCW 43.17.010, recommend that the agency initiate rule-making proceedings in accordance with this chapter. The governor's response to the appeal shall be published in the Washington state register and copies shall be submitted to the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate.
(3) In petitioning for repeal or amendment of a rule under this section, a person is encouraged to address, among other concerns:
(a) Whether the rule is authorized;
(b) Whether the rule is needed;
(c) Whether the rule conflicts with or duplicates other federal, state, or local laws;
(d) Whether alternatives to the rule exist that will serve the same purpose at less cost;
(e) Whether the rule applies differently to public and private entities;
(f) Whether the rule serves the purposes for which it was adopted;
(g) Whether the costs imposed by the rule are unreasonable; and
(h) Whether the rule is clearly and simply stated.
(4) The business assistance center and the office of financial management shall coordinate efforts among agencies to inform the public about the existence of this rules review process.
(5) The office of financial management shall initiate the rule making required by subsection (1) of this section by September 1, 1995.
PART VIII
JUDICIAL REVIEW
Sec. 801. RCW 34.05.370 and 1994 c 249 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Each agency shall maintain an official rule-making file for each rule that it (a) proposes by publication in the state register, or (b) adopts. The file and materials incorporated by reference shall be available for public inspection.
(2) The agency rule-making file shall contain all of the following:
(a) Copies of all publications in the state register with respect to the rule or the proceeding upon which the rule is based;
(b) Copies of any portions of the agency's public rule-making docket containing entries relating to the rule or the proceeding on which the rule is based;
(c) All written petitions, requests, submissions, and comments received by the agency and all other written material regarded by the agency as important to adoption of the rule or the proceeding on which the rule is based;
(d) Any official transcript of oral presentations made in the proceeding on which the rule is based or, if not transcribed, any tape recording or stenographic record of them, and any memorandum prepared by a presiding official summarizing the contents of those presentations;
(e) ((The concise
explanatory statement required by RCW 34.05.355;
(f))) All petitions for exceptions to, amendment of,
or repeal or suspension of, the rule;
(((g))) (f)
Citations to data, factual information, studies, or reports on which the agency
relies in the adoption of the rule, indicating where such data, factual
information, studies, or reports are available for review by the public, but
this subsection (2)(f) does not require the agency to include in the
rule-making file any data, factual information, studies, or reports gathered
pursuant to chapter 19.85 RCW that can be identified to a particular business;
(((h))) (g)
The ((written summary and response)) concise explanatory statement
required by RCW 34.05.325(6); and
(((i))) (h)
Any other material placed in the file by the agency.
(3) Internal agency documents are exempt from inclusion in the rule-making file under subsection (2) of this section to the extent they constitute preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memoranda in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended, except that a specific document is not exempt from inclusion when it is publicly cited by an agency in connection with its decision.
(4) Upon judicial review, the file required by this section constitutes the official agency rule-making file with respect to that rule. Unless otherwise required by another provision of law, the official agency rule-making file need not be the exclusive basis for agency action on that rule. However, any basis for agency action on a rule not included in the rule-making file must have existed before the adoption of the rule.
Sec. 802. RCW 34.05.570 and 1989 c 175 s 27 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Generally. Except to the extent that this chapter or another statute provides otherwise:
(a) The burden of demonstrating the invalidity of agency action is on the party asserting invalidity;
(b) The validity of agency action shall be determined in accordance with the standards of review provided in this section, as applied to the agency action at the time it was taken;
(c) The court shall make a separate and distinct ruling on each material issue on which the court's decision is based; and
(d) The court shall grant relief only if it determines that a person seeking judicial relief has been substantially prejudiced by the action complained of.
(2) Review of rules. (a) A rule may be reviewed by petition for declaratory judgment filed pursuant to this subsection or in the context of any other review proceeding under this section. In an action challenging the validity of a rule, the agency shall be made a party to the proceeding.
(b) The validity of any rule may be determined upon petition for a declaratory judgment addressed to the superior court of Thurston county, when it appears that the rule, or its threatened application, interferes with or impairs or immediately threatens to interfere with or impair the legal rights or privileges of the petitioner. The declaratory judgment order may be entered whether or not the petitioner has first requested the agency to pass upon the validity of the rule in question.
(c) In a proceeding
involving review of a rule, the court shall declare the rule invalid only if it
finds that: ((it)) The rule violates constitutional
provisions((,)); the rule exceeds the statutory authority of the
agency((,)); the rule was adopted without compliance with
statutory rule-making procedures((, or could not conceivably have been the
product of a rational decision-maker)); the determinations of the agency
are not supported by substantial evidence as required under section 201 of this
act; or the rule is arbitrary and capricious.
(3) Review of agency orders in adjudicative proceedings. The court shall grant relief from an agency order in an adjudicative proceeding only if it determines that:
(a) The order, or the statute or rule on which the order is based, is in violation of constitutional provisions on its face or as applied;
(b) The order is outside the statutory authority or jurisdiction of the agency conferred by any provision of law;
(c) The agency has engaged in unlawful procedure or decision-making process, or has failed to follow a prescribed procedure;
(d) The agency has erroneously interpreted or applied the law;
(e) The order is not supported by evidence that is substantial when viewed in light of the whole record before the court, which includes the agency record for judicial review, supplemented by any additional evidence received by the court under this chapter;
(f) The agency has not decided all issues requiring resolution by the agency;
(g) A motion for disqualification under RCW 34.05.425 or 34.12.050 was made and was improperly denied or, if no motion was made, facts are shown to support the grant of such a motion that were not known and were not reasonably discoverable by the challenging party at the appropriate time for making such a motion;
(h) The order is inconsistent with a rule of the agency unless the agency explains the inconsistency by stating facts and reasons to demonstrate a rational basis for inconsistency; or
(i) The order is arbitrary or capricious.
(4) Review of other agency action.
(a) All agency action not reviewable under subsection (2) or (3) of this section shall be reviewed under this subsection.
(b) A person whose rights are violated by an agency's failure to perform a duty that is required by law to be performed may file a petition for review pursuant to RCW 34.05.514, seeking an order pursuant to this subsection requiring performance. Within twenty days after service of the petition for review, the agency shall file and serve an answer to the petition, made in the same manner as an answer to a complaint in a civil action. The court may hear evidence, pursuant to RCW 34.05.562, on material issues of fact raised by the petition and answer.
(c) Relief for persons aggrieved by the performance of an agency action, including the exercise of discretion, or an action under (b) of this subsection can be granted only if the court determines that the action is:
(i) Unconstitutional;
(ii) Outside the statutory authority of the agency or the authority conferred by a provision of law;
(iii) Arbitrary or capricious; or
(iv) Taken by persons who were not properly constituted as agency officials lawfully entitled to take such action.
PART IX
EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE
NEW SECTION. Sec. 901. The legislature finds that certain individuals, smaller partnerships, smaller corporations, and other organizations may be deterred from seeking review of or defending against an unreasonable agency action because of the expense involved in securing the vindication of their rights in administrative proceedings. The legislature further finds that because of the greater resources and expertise of the state of Washington, individuals, smaller partnerships, smaller corporations, and other organizations are often deterred from seeking review of or defending against state agency actions because of the costs for attorneys, expert witnesses, and other costs. The legislature therefore adopts this equal access to justice act to ensure that these parties have a greater opportunity to defend themselves from inappropriate state agency actions and to protect their rights.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 902. A new section is added to chapter 4.84 RCW to read as follows:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout sections 902 through 904 of this act.
(1) "Agency" means agency as defined by chapter 34.05 RCW.
(2) "Agency action" means agency action as defined by chapter 34.05 RCW.
(3) "Fees and other expenses" includes the reasonable expenses of expert witnesses, the reasonable cost of a study, analysis, engineering report, test, or project that is found by the court to be necessary for the preparation of the party's case, and reasonable attorneys' fees. Reasonable attorneys' fees shall be based on the prevailing market rates for the kind and quality of services furnished, except that (a) no expert witness shall be compensated at a rate in excess of the highest rates of compensation for expert witnesses paid by the state of Washington, and (b) attorneys' fees shall not be awarded in excess of one hundred fifty dollars per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved, justifies a higher fee.
(4) "Judicial review" means a judicial review as defined by chapter 34.05 RCW.
(5) "Qualified party" means (a) an individual whose net worth did not exceed one million dollars at the time the initial petition for judicial review was filed or (b) a sole owner of an unincorporated business, or a partnership, corporation, association, or organization whose net worth did not exceed five million dollars at the time the initial petition for judicial review was filed, except that an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the federal internal revenue code of 1954 as exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the code and a cooperative association as defined in section 15(a) of the agricultural marketing act (12 U.S.C. 1141J(a)), may be a party regardless of the net worth of such organization or cooperative association.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 903. A new section is added to chapter 4.84 RCW to read as follows:
(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, a court shall award a qualified party that prevails in a judicial review of an agency action fees and other expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, unless the court finds that the agency action was substantially justified or that circumstances make an award unjust. A qualified party shall be considered to have prevailed if the qualified party obtained relief on a significant issue that achieves some benefit that the qualified party sought.
(2) The amount awarded a qualified party under subsection (1) of this section shall not exceed thirty-five thousand dollars. Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply unless all parties challenging the agency action are qualified parties. If two or more qualified parties join in an action, the award in total shall not exceed thirty-five thousand dollars. The court, in its discretion, may reduce the amount to be awarded pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, or deny any award, to the extent that a qualified party during the course of the proceedings engaged in conduct that unduly or unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 904. A new section is added to chapter 4.84 RCW to read as follows:
Fees and other expenses awarded under sections 902 and 903 of this act shall be paid by the agency over which the party prevails from operating funds appropriated to the agency within sixty days. Agencies paying fees and other expenses pursuant to sections 902 and 903 of this act shall report all payments to the office of financial management within five days of paying the fees and other expenses. Fees and other expenses awarded by the court shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 39.76 RCW and shall be deemed payable on the date the court announces the award.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 905. A new section is added to chapter 43.88 RCW to read as follows:
The office of financial management shall report annually to the legislature on the amount of fees and other expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to sections 902 through 904 of this act. The report shall describe the number, nature, and amount of the awards, the claims involved in the controversy, and other relevant information that may aid the legislature in evaluating the scope and impact of the awards.
PART X
BUSINESS LICENSE INFORMATION
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1001. The master license system of the department of licensing is a proven, progressive program for one-stop state licensing. This flexible system should be expanded into a state-wide shared data base to facilitate combined licensing processes at local, state, and federal levels as a benefit to the business community through improved customer service.
In order to achieve this goal the department of licensing should expand the license information management system, offered by the master license system, to include local and federal licensing requirements, making this information readily accessible at appropriate locations throughout the state. In addition, the department should develop a pilot program expanding the capabilities of the master licensing system to local and federal levels in an efficient manner; and provide access to the expanded master licensing system for all jurisdictions within the state of Washington.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1002. (1) The department shall solicit advice and recommendations for planning and establishing policy for a combined licensing pilot project and license information management system. Advice and assistance shall be solicited from:
(a) The business assistance center;
(b) The office of the secretary of state;
(c) The department of revenue;
(d) The department of labor and industries;
(e) The employment security department;
(f) The Washington state association of counties;
(g) The association of Washington cities;
(h) The department of information services;
(i) The small business improvement council; and
(j) The cities chosen under section 1005 of this act.
(2) The department may create ad hoc advisory committees for purposes of subsection (1) of this section.
(3) This section shall expire July 1, 1997.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1003. By December 31, 1995, the department of licensing, with advice and recommendations provided in section 1002 of this act, shall develop a plan for the state-wide license information management system. This plan shall include:
(1) The scope and phases of the project, listing areas of responsibility for each phase;
(2) Analysis of the costs and benefits, as well as funding sources, staffing levels, and technological issues involved in completing the project; and
(3) A computer prototype for demonstration of the new license information system to interested jurisdictions.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1004. By December 31, 1995, the department of licensing, with advice and recommendations provided in section 1002 of this act, shall develop a plan for a pilot combined licensing program. The plan shall include:
(1) The scope and phases of the project, listing areas of responsibility for each phase;
(2) Analysis of the costs and benefits, as well as funding sources, staffing levels, and technological issues involved in completing the project;
(3) The use of the state unified business identifier as the key number for identifying persons and businesses, for licensing purposes, throughout local, state and, if appropriate, federal levels of government;
(4) Steps leading to the expansion of the department's master license automated system, to be used for combined licensing processes at selected local service jurisdictions;
(5) Development of common technology for information dissemination, access, and delivery at appropriate service locations through the master license system, including remote field input of master business application information;
(6) Adoption of the state's master business application to become the standard for all registration or licensing applications used at local and state levels, and federal levels where appropriate; and
(7) Necessary training for staff at service locations.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1005. By December 31, 1996, the department of licensing shall:
(1) Expand the license information management system, in order to provide on-line local, state, and federal business registration and licensing requirements;
(2) Include specific licensing requirements for local jurisdictions in the license information packet;
(3) Provide the capability to distribute the information packets at the appropriate service locations;
(4) Provide the ability for local jurisdictions to access, store, and update the license requirements data of their own jurisdiction; and
(5) Provide training to all organizations providing services using the master license information management system.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1006. A new section is added to chapter 19.02 RCW to read as follows:
(1) By June 30, 1997, the department shall have a pilot combined licensing project fully operational in at least two cities within the state of Washington, with at least one city west of the Cascade mountains and at least one city east of the Cascade mountains.
(2) By January 31, 1997, the department shall make an interim report to the legislature on the progress of the pilot combined licensing project.
(3) By January 31, 1998, the department shall have evaluated the pilot combined licensing project and reported to the legislature with a plan for transition of the pilot project into an ongoing program. The transition plan shall include cost, funding sources, and staffing needs for the ongoing program.
(4) Upon approval and continued funding of the transition plan by the legislature under this section, the master license system shall implement a transition from the pilot program to the ongoing program.
Sec. 1007. RCW 19.02.075 and 1992 c 107 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) ((Beginning June
1, 1992,)) The department shall collect a fee of fifteen dollars on
each master application ((and five dollars on each license information
packet. From June 1, 1992, to June 30, 1992, twelve dollars of the master
application fee shall be deposited in the general fund and three dollars
deposited in the master license fund. Thereafter,)). The entire
master application fee shall be deposited in the master license fund. ((License
information packet fees shall be deposited in the general fund.))
(2) ((Beginning July
1, 1992,)) The department shall collect a fee of nine dollars on
each renewal application. Renewal application fees shall be deposited in the
master license fund.
PART XI
MISCELLANEOUS
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1101. Part headings as used in this act do not constitute any part of the law.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1102. Sections 601 through 616, 618, and 620 through 622 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1103. If specific funding for the purposes of sections 1001 through 1007 of this act, referencing this act by bill and section numbers, is not provided by June 30, 1995, in the omnibus appropriations act, sections 1001 through 1007 of this act shall be null and void.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1104. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected."
ESHB 1010 - S COMM AMD
By Committee on Government Operations
On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "reform;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 43.21A.080, 43.70.040, 82.01.060, 46.01.110, 50.12.040, 76.09.040, 77.04.090, 48.02.060, 48.30.010, 48.44.050, 48.46.200, 70.94.331, 34.05.310, 34.05.320, 34.05.313, 34.05.325, 19.85.030, 34.05.660, 42.40.010, 42.40.020, 42.40.030, 18.104.155, 49.17.180, 70.94.431, 70.105.080, 70.132.050, 70.138.040, 86.16.081, 90.03.600, 90.48.144, 90.58.210, 90.58.560, 90.76.080, 34.05.230, 34.05.330, 34.05.370, 34.05.570, and 19.02.075; adding new sections to chapter 43.12 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.20A RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.23 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.22 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.24 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 90.48 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 34.05 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 19.85 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.30 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.300 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 4.84 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.88 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 19.02 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 34.05.355, 34.05.610, 34.05.620, 34.05.630, 34.05.640, and 34.05.650; and prescribing penalties."
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