PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: This rule making will involve technical changes and structural improvements to WAC 232-28-619 in conjunction with the WAC overhaul project. The department will clarify language where needed, and the rule itself will be split into smaller, more manageable sections as part of this rule making.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Changes to WAC 232-28-619 are needed because the rule is long, unwieldy, not clearly written or structured, and lacking in sound organization. Further, this rule is amended frequently because it contains seasons and limits for freshwater fishing. Splitting the rule into multiple, smaller sections will make these changes more manageable. Also, the public will be able to locate and understand requirements more easily because the requirements will be better organized and clearly structured.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service also regulates fish and wildlife. State regulations may be more restrictive than federal regulations, but not less so. The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) will coordinate the regulatory landscape of these rule changes, where and if applicable. Because these changes are largely structural and technical, it is unlikely that coordination will be necessary.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Joanna Eide, Administrative Regulations Analyst, WDFW Enforcement Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2403, fax (360) 902-2156, e-mail Joanna.Eide@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by July 13, 2012. Expected proposal filing on or after July 18, 2012.
May 17, 2012
Joanna M. Eide
Administrative Regulations Analyst