Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 26.23.120(2).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These new rules will set forth the criteria for listing an absent parent on the Internet on the DCS web page as someone who owes a significant amount of back child support.

Process for Developing New Rule: Those persons wishing to participate in developing the new rules are encouraged to contact Nancy Koptur at the Department of Social and Health Services Division of Child Support headquarters prior to July 30, 1998, when DCS intends to file the CR-102 and proposed rules. DCS will post information regarding this rule development project and others on its web site, which can be found at www.wa.gov/dshs/dcs/csrc.html. DSHS/DCS encourages the public to take part in developing the rules. After the rules are drafted, the Department of Social and Health Services will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and will send a copy to everyone currently on the mailing list and anyone else who requests a copy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Nancy Koptur, Division of Child Support, P.O. Box 9162, Mailstop 45860, Olympia, WA 98507-9162, phone (360) 664-5065, FAX (360) 664-5055, TTY/TDD (360) 664-5011, e-mail nkoptur@dshs.wa.gov.

June 1, 1998

Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit