PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules to implement an increase in the current assessment.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 15.44.060(1) and 15.44.080.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To implement powers and duties vested to the Washington Dairy Products Commission in RCW 15.44.060, such as the participation in federal and state agency hearings, meetings, and other proceedings in relation to the regulation of the production, manufacture, distribution, sale or use of dairy products, to provide educational meetings and seminars for the dairy industry on such matters, and to expend commission funds for such activities. Rules are needed to increase the current assessment in RCW 15.44.080 in order to carry out these powers and duties. The current assessment level falls within the Federal Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983, Section 113, which prohibits funding for the above specified activities from assessments collected under the federal program.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United State Department of Agriculture.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study; and agency held public meetings to discuss the proposed rule with individuals affected and gather comments. One or more public hearings to be scheduled across the state.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Steve Matzen, Washington Dairy Products Commission, 4201 198th Street S.W., Suite 101, Lynnwood, WA 98036, phone (425) 672-0687, fax (425) 672-0674.
January 12, 2001
Steve Matzen
General Manager