SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5429

                    As of February 7, 1997

Title:  An act relating to administrative rule making.

Brief Description:  Restricting the duration of the statutory authority of agencies to adopt rules.

Sponsors:  Senators Hochstatter, McCaslin, Benton, Hale, Schow, Oke, Strannigan, Haugen, McDonald, Swecker, Zarelli, Roach, Morton, Rossi, West and Sellar.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/13/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  The authority for agencies to adopt rules is found in statute.  Some statutes date from territorial days.  The adoption of rules using these older statutes for authority can result in consequences unintended by the Legislature.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The statutory authority for an agency to adopt new or change existing rules expires two years after the effective date of the statute cited as authority or two years after the effective date of this act, whichever is later.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 5, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.