WSR 97-15-041

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

EXECUTIVE ETHICS BOARD

[Filed July 11, 1997, 1:35 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: RCW 42.52.360 (2)(c), issuance of advisory opinion; RCW 42.52.120 (2)(b) and (c), advice by the Executive Ethics Board on compensation for outside activities; and RCW 42.52.360 (2)(b), rules and policies governing the conduct of the board's business.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 42.52 RCW, RCW 42.52.360 (2)(b).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The board is considering rule making on the acceptance and issuance of advisory opinions; review and advising whether state officers' and employees' contracts with state agencies are in conflict with their official duties and other rules governing the conduct of the board's business. The intent of these rules would be to clearly explain the board's administrative procedures to the public and the regulated population.

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 board will request written comments from persons who may be interested. Comments received will be considered by the board before a proposed rule is published pursuant to a formal notice.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Executive Ethics Board Secretary, 1125 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 40100, Olympia, WA 98504-0100, (360) 664-0871. Written comments must be received by August 15, 1997. These comments will be considered by the board at its September 12, 1997, regular meeting at Building 1, 4224 6th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA, 9:00 a.m. Thereafter, the board may proceed with rule making.

July 11, 1997

Barbara Cook