WSR 97-13-073

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

WASHINGTON STATE PATROL

[Filed June 18, 1997, 9:20 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Repeal and amend existing sections of, and add new sections to chapter 212-17 WAC, Fireworks, to prescribe the state-wide standards for retail sale of fireworks.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 70.77, 43.43 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 182, Laws of 1997 (effective April 23, 1997) require the chief of the Washington State Patrol through the director of fire protection to adopt rules to implement chapter 70.77 RCW, to ensure state-wide minimum standards for enforcement of chapter 70.77 RCW, and to prescribe uniform state-wide standards for retail sale of fireworks. These rules will help to ensure uniform, safe operation of retail fireworks stands throughout the state.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Fire Protection Bureau, under the state patrol is the sole regulating agency for fireworks in the state. The Department of Labor and Industries will be consulted regarding requirements for electrical service to fireworks stands.

Process for Developing New Rule: A committee composed of key stakeholders, including fire service officials and fireworks industry representatives, including wholesalers and retailers, will make recommendations to the Washington State Patrol for repeal, amendment or addition of rules to chapter 212-17 WAC necessary to carry out the statutory changes.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. To find out more information about the committee and when meetings will be held, contact Mr. Lyall H. Smith, Deputy State Fire Marshal, Washington State Patrol, Fire Protection Bureau, P.O. Box 42600, Olympia, WA 98504-2600, phone (360) 753-0470, FAX (360) 753-0395.

June 17, 1997

Annette M. Sandberg