WSR 97-21-057

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

[Filed October 14, 1997, 9:16 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 162-04 WAC, General provisions; chapter 162-12 WAC, Preemployment guide; chapter 162-16 WAC, Employment; chapter 162-22 WAC, Employment--Handicapped persons; chapter 162-26 WAC, Public accommodations, handicap discrimination; chapter 162-28 WAC, Public schools--Equal education; chapter 162-38 WAC, Real estate transactions, handicap discrimination; and chapter 162-40 WAC, Credit transactions.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.60.120(3).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To adopt rules implementing the requirements of SHB 1491, an act relating to dog guides and service animals.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are federal agencies that administer and enforce Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act as amended, respectively. Complaints in employment and housing filed with the Human Rights Commission on certain bases are also dually filed with EEOC and HUD. The Washington State Departments of Health, Licensing and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner will be invited to participate in the development of the rules.

Process for Developing New Rule: Facilitated advisory workgroups.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by submitting written comments to Heriberto Ruiz, 1511 Third Avenue, Suite 921, Seattle, WA 98101-1626, voice (206) 464-6505, FAX (206) 464-7463.

October 13, 1997

Susan J. Jordan