WSR 14-13-070

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 13, 2014, 10:53 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Licensing fees.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 9.46.070.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The gambling commissioners will be considering proposing a license fee increase. The commission is a nongeneral fund and nonappropriated agency. We are funded by licensing and regulatory fees. The last fee increase was in 2008 when fees were increased by approximately five percent. We have worked hard to save time, money and reduce staffing levels by adding online services, streamlining processes and close management. During the past six years, we have reduced our approved budget by more than $1.5 million and reduced staffing by twenty-three positions. Even with these budget cuts, additional funding is needed to cover the agency's minimum operating costs.

Process for Developing New Rule: Interested parties can participate in the discussion of this proposed change by attending a commission meeting, or contacting Susan Newer, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3466, e-mail Susan.Newer@wsgc.wa.gov, fax (360) 486-3625.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Visit www.wsgc.wa.gov about ten days before each meeting to confirm meeting location, date and start time: On July 11, 2014, at the Grand Mound Great Wolf Lodge, 20500 Old Highway 99 S.W., Grand Mound, WA 98531, visit www.wsgc.wa.gov on July 1 to confirm meeting location and start time; on August 14 or 15, 2014, at the Comfort Inn, 1620 74th Avenue S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, visit www.wsgc.wa.gov on August 1 to confirm meeting location and start time; and on September 11 or 12, 2014, at the Comfort Inn, 1620 74th Avenue S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, visit www.wsgc.wa.gov on September 1 to confirm meeting location and start time.

June 13, 2013 [2014]

Susan Newer

Rules Coordinator