HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. SSB 5803

Electronic distribution of rules notices                  Public Hrg: 3/26/97

Brief Title

Comm. Govt Op. (Sens. Finkbeiner/McCaslin)      Staff Contact: Bill Lynch

Sponsor       (Req. Dept. of Revenue)           Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7092

BACKGROUND:

The Administrative Procedures Act permits agencies to allow members of the public to comment on proposed rules by fax if the agency has the necessary receiving equipment.  There is no authority for agencies to transmit agency notices by either fax or electronic mail.

Agencies are required to maintain a roster of interested persons who have requested in writing to be notified of all interpretive statements and policy statements issued by the agency.  The law does not authorize agencies to maintain different rosters by general subject area.

SUMMARY:

Agencies may request persons who are entitled to receive agency notices whether they would like to receive the notices electronically.  Electronic distribution is defined as either by electronic mail or fax.  If a person requests to receive an agency notice electronically, the electronic distribution of the notice may substitute for a mailed copy of the notice.  Agency notices to which electronic distribution applies are interpretive and policy statements, statements of inquiry, and notices of proposed rule-making.  Agencies may establish different rosters by general subject area of person interested in receiving notice of interpretive statements and policy statements.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not Requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.