WSR 15-01-189

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 23, 2014, 6:15 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Use of the public areas of the capitol building and grounds by government entities.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 19.125 RCW, Capitol buildings and grounds—Custody and control and RCW 46.08.150 Control of traffic on capitol grounds.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rules are needed to guide the use of the public areas of the capitol buildings and grounds by government entities. The objective is to balance the conduct of government business, public access and expression, and the stewardship of the historic capitol buildings and grounds.

These rules are not applicable to the conduct of free speech and assembly activities, commercial activities and private activities.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: There are no other federal and state agencies that regulate this subject.

Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed rules with affected stakeholders. Anyone interested will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing. The public and government entities are encouraged to participate, as described below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jack Zeigler, Policy and Rules Manager, phone (360) 407-9209, e-mail jack.zeigler@des.wa.gov, written comments online http://des.wa.gov/about/LawsRules/Pages/Rulemaking.aspx.

Information will be posted on the agency web site (http://www.des.wa.gov/about/LawsRules/Pages/RuleMaking.aspx) and interested parties can participate in the development of the proposed rule before publication. You can identify yourself as an interested party by sending an e-mail to rules@des.wa.gov with your contact information and typing "Interested party – sidewalk and curb ramp standards rulemaking" in the subject line.

December 23, 2014

Jack Zeigler

Policy and Rules Manager