6739 AMH GRLU H5337.1

SB 6739 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Government Reform & Land Use

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  It is the intent of the legislature to ensure agencies assess the impact of proposed rules on family well-being and to improve the management of executive branch agencies.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:

    For purposes of sections 1, 3, 4, and 5 of this act, the term "family" means:

    (1) A group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption who live together as a single household; and

    (2) Any individual who is not a member of such group, but who is related by blood, marriage, or adoption to a member of such group, and over half of whose support in a calendar year is received from such group.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:

    Upon request by a member of the legislature, an agency shall prepare an assessment of the impact of a proposed rule on the families of the state of Washington and include the assessment as an attachment to the notice of a proposed rule under RCW 34.05.320.  The agency head shall be guided by the policies stated in RCW 74.14A.020 and 74.14A.025 and the criteria in section 4 of this act when preparing the assessment required by this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:

    An agency preparing an assessment under section 3 of this act shall determine the following:

    (1) Does the proposed rule strengthen or erode the stability of the family and, particularly, the marital commitment;

    (2) Does the proposed rule strengthen or erode the authority and rights of parents in the education, nurture, and supervision of their children;

    (3) Does the proposed rule help the family perform its functions, or substitute governmental activity for the function;

    (4) Does the proposed rule increase or decrease disposable family income;

    (5) Do the proposed benefits of the rule justify the financial impact on the family;

    (6) Would the policy being pursued in the proposed rule be better implemented by local government or by the family; and

    (7) Does the proposed rule establish an implicit or explicit policy concerning the status of the family, the relationship between the behavior and personal responsibility of youth, and the norms of society.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  A new section is added to chapter 34.05 RCW to read as follows:

    If requested by a member of the legislature to assess the impact of a proposed rule on the families of the state of Washington under section 3 of this act, the agency head shall:

    (1) Submit a written certification to the director of financial management that the proposed rule has been assessed in accordance with this act;

    (2) Provide an adequate rationale for implementation of any aspect of the rule that may negatively affect family well-being; and

    (3) Attach a copy of the information described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section to the notice of the proposed rule issued under RCW 34.05.320.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.  This act takes effect January 1, 1999."

    Correct the title.

EFFECT:  Limits assessments to state agency rules, and only upon request of a legislator.  Provides a definition of "family."  Specifies criteria for assessing impact on families, and deletes requirement for the Family Policy Council to develop guidelines.

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