PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The purpose of this rule revision is to allow the current vehicle emission inspection fee of $12 to increase up to $15 after January 1, 2000. Fifteen dollars is the maximum allowed by law.
A test fee increase is needed because: (1) The 1998 legislature reduced the number vehicles to be tested by about 20%, (2) test station contractor costs have increased, and (3) the need for the emission check program to be self-supporting.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.120.120.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Starting in 2000, the test fee must be increased to meet the state law requirement that the state funding for the emission check program be recovered from the test fees.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Department of Licensing is responsible for notifying vehicle owners when emission testing is required. Licensing has already scheduled computer reprogramming for which model year vehicles will receive an emission testing notice. The vehicle renewal notice will need to be revised to provide the new test fee.
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 John Raymond, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, e-mail jray461@ecy.wa.gov, phone (360) 407-6856, fax (360) 407-6802.
July 6, 1999
Mary E. Burg
Program Manager