WSR 98-02-013

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Filed December 29, 1997, 4:00 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-100 WAC, Refrigerated locker establishments--Recording thermometers.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 19.32.030.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department has conducted a review of the above mentioned rules under the provisions of the Governor's Executive Order 97-02 and has determined that the rules are necessary and should be retained. The rule is necessary to comply with the statutes that authorize it. The rule is not obsolete, duplicative, ambiguous to a degree it warrants repeal or revision. No laws or circumstances have changed that would warrant the rule being amended or repealed. The rule is necessary to protect/safeguard health, welfare, safety of Washington's citizens and, although not written in the new clear and readable rules format, it is concise and fairly easy to read.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: A rules review was conducted in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order 97-02. Results of the review will be shared with representatives of the rules stakeholders.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The department is seeking input on its decision to retain the rules. You may comment in writing to Washington State Department of Agriculture, Administrative Regulations Unit, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, or FAX at (360) 902-2092, or e-mail kbromley@agr.wa.gov. For a copy of the review report contact Mike Donovan, Food Safety Program Manager, (360) 902-1883.

December 4, 1997

Michael J. Donovan