SB 5920 - DIGEST

Provides that a small business that is adversely impacted or aggrieved in connection with the adoption of a rule is entitled to judicial review of agency compliance with the requirements of chapter 19.85 RCW. A small business may seek that review during the period beginning on the date of final agency action.

Provides that, within five years of the effective date of this act, each agency shall review all agency rules existing at the time of the effective date of this act to determine whether to continue the rules without change or amend or repeal them to minimize economic impact of the rules on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objective of applicable statutes. If the head of the agency determines that completion of the review of existing rules is not feasible by the established date, the agency shall publish in the state register a statement certifying that determination.

Requires rules that take effect on or after the effective date of this act to be reviewed within five years of the publication of the final rule in the state register and every five years after that to ensure that they minimize economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes.

Provides that, in reviewing rules to minimize their economic impact on small businesses, the agency shall consider the: (1) Continued need for the rule;

(2) Nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule from the public;

(3) Complexity of the rule;

(4) Extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other federal, state, and local governmental rules; and

(5) Length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule.

Establishes the small business regulatory review committee within the department of community, trade, and economic development.

Repeals RCW 19.85.040 and 19.85.050.