FINAL BILL REPORT

EHB 1400

C 110 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Clarifying that service includes electronic distribution of hearing notices and orders in administrative proceedings.

Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, Kochmar and Jinkins; by request of Office of Administrative Hearings.

House Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is an independent state agency responsible for the review of the actions of other state agencies. Administrative hearings are conducted in accordance with statutory procedures outlined in the Washington Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and are generally less formal than court proceedings.

In 2012 the OAH received over 72,000 requests for administrative hearings from citizens of Washington. For each hearing, the OAH must follow the APA procedures governing the service of administrative hearing notices and orders. In an administrative hearing notice, the OAH sets the time and place of the hearing and gives advance written notice of the hearing to all involved parties. An administrative hearing order explains the legal rights, duties, privileges, immunities, or other legal interests of a specific person or persons.

Under the APA, "service" means posting in the United States mail, properly addressed, postage prepaid, or personal service.

Summary:

Administrative hearing notices may be served electronically if agreed to by the parties involved in the hearing.

Votes on Final Passage: