WSR 06-11-140

PROPOSED RULES

HORSE RACING COMMISSION


[ Filed May 23, 2006, 2:23 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 06-08-016.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 260-08-597 Funding to assist the equine industry, this new section is being adopted to formulate a process for requesting and a mechanism for distributing up to $300,000 per year for the purpose of developing the equine industry, maintaining and upgrading racing facilities and assisting equine health research. Authorized in 2006 by passage of SSB 6382.

     Hearing Location(s): Auburn City Council Chambers, 25 West Main, Auburn, WA 98001, on July 13, 2006, at 9:30 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: July 13, 2006.

     Submit Written Comments to: Robert J. Lopez, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, e-mail rlopez@whrc.state.wa.us, fax (360) 459-6461, by July 10, 2006.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Patty Sorby by July 10, 2006, TTY (360) 459-6462.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: SSB 6382 passed by the Washington state legislature (chapter 174, Laws of 2006) authorizes the Washington horse racing commission to expend $300,000 of its operating funds each year for the development of the equine industry, improvement of racing facilities, and equine health research. This new section establishes a process for requesting and a mechanism for distributing these funds.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Allows the agency to meet its statutory obligation and it supports the equine industry and equine health research.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 67.16.020.

     Statute Being Implemented: SSB 6382, chapter 174, Laws of 2006.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Washington horse racing commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Robert J. Lopez, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, (360) 459-6462; Implementation and Enforcement: Robert M. Leichner, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, (360) 459-6462.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Not applicable.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. Not applicable. Distribution of operating funds approved by the state legislature in 2006.

May 22, 2006

R. M. Leichner

Executive Secretary

OTS-8876.1


NEW SECTION

WAC 260-08-597   Funding to assist the equine industry.   (1) If the commission determines that there are additional funds in its operating account beyond what is needed to fund the continued operations of the commission, the commission may designate up to three hundred thousand dollars of those funds to be used to assist the equine industry. Funds used to assist the equine industry may only be used to help develop the equine industry, maintain or upgrade racing facilities, or assist equine health research. In deciding how to allocate the funds available, the commission will give first consideration to uses that assist the Class C race meets and equine health research. The commission will establish a process for individuals or organizations to request funds.

     (2) Available funds may be allocated to fund requests from individuals or organizations, or programs the commission determines support the purposes specified in subsection (1) of this section.

     (3) The commission has discretion to determine the amount of funding available, identify the programs for which funding will be provided, the amount of funding for each program, and the procedures for distributing funds.

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