WSR 14-10-062

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 5, 2014, 2:50 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The commission is charged with ensuring that lobbying expenditures are timely and accurately disclosed under RCW 42.17A.615. In 1996, the commission adopted Interpretive Statement 96-03, L-2 Reporting Guide for Entertainment, Travel and Educational Expenditures. The interpretive statement explains how to disclose various types of expenditures commonly made in connection with lobbying activities. Examples of the types of expenditures included are those for meals, receptions, tickets for theater or sporting events, golf outings, travel, educational, and small gifts such as flowers, fruit baskets, candy, and coffee cups or other promotional items. The commission is considering converting this long-standing interpretation to rule.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.615(4).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Converting long-standing interpretive statements to rule is encouraged by the Administrative Procedure Act. Converting this particular interpretive statement will clarify disclosure requirements for lobbyists and lobbyist employers.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: The commission will begin discussing converting the interpretive statement at its May 22, 2014, meeting. Once language is approved, which could occur as early as the May or June 26, 2014, meeting, a public hearing will be scheduled.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lori Anderson, 711 Capitol Way, Room 206, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, WA 98504-0908, e-mail lori.anderson@pdc.wa.gov, phone (360) 664-2737, or toll-free 1-877-601-2828, fax (360) 753-1112.

May 5, 2014

Lori Anderson

Communications and

Training Officer