SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6251

As Passed Senate, February 27, 2002

Title:  An act relating to administrative rule adoption procedures.

Brief Description:  Requiring gubernatorial approval of all agency rules.

Sponsors:  Senators West, Hale, Honeyford, Zarelli, Morton, Parlette, Hochstatter, Hewitt, T. Sheldon, Johnson, Horn, Finkbeiner, Oke and Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government: 

Passed Senate:  2/27/02, 29-20.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Diane Smith (786‑7410)

Background:  Prior to adoption, a notice of proposed rule is published in the Washington State Register.  This notice states the agency personnel responsible for drafting, implementation and enforcing the rule, as well as the name of the entity proposing the rule.

When a hearing is held prior to the adoption of the rule, the agency head or an officer designated by the agency head presides at this rulemaking hearing.  This presiding official must prepare a memorandum summarizing the presentations made at the rulemaking hearing.  The memorandum is for consideration by the agency head.

When an agency adopts a bill under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the agency issues an order of adoption.  This order is not required to contain the signature of the Governor.

Summary of Bill:  The order of adoption issued by an agency adopting a rule under the APA must contain the Governor's signature.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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