WSR 97-08-088

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed April 2, 1997, 11:34 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Update livestock identification program WACs to provide consistent language and fee levels with July 1, 1997, statutory reductions; to expand the use of self-inspection slips to further reduce inspection costs for industry and to reduce paperwork and relieve program expenditures by reducing mandatory inspection points.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 16.57.160, 16.57.220, 16.57.240, 16.57.350, 16.58.050, 16.58.030, 16.58.130, 16.65.037, and 16.65.090.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Program licensing and inspection fees are reduced by 20% effective July 1, 1997. In order to operate this mandated program for livestock owners in a cost-effective manner services must be reduced which includes scheduling hours when inspectors will be available for livestock inspections at public livestock markets, slaughter plants and certified feed lots. Additional clarity is provided to current rules to be consistent with statutory requirements.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture--Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) accomplished through discussion and sharing of draft information.

Process for Developing New Rule: Proposed rules will be made available to stakeholders and interested parties for comment.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Washington State Department of Agriculture, Attention: Marcia Greene, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1852 or FAX (360) 902-2086.

April 2, 1997

Julie C. Sandberg

Assistant Director

Legislature Code Reviser

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