PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is planning to propose and adopt permanent rules to implement chapter 322, Laws of 2002 (SSB 6254) affecting the department's fruit and vegetable inspection districts and their inspection fees. Chapters 16-400 and 16-458 WAC will be amended. References in other WAC chapters may have to be updated as a result of the permanent rule amendments that are developed.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 15.17 and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The legislature enacted and the governor signed SSB 6254 into law (chapter 322, Laws of 2002). On July 1, 2002, the department filed emergency rules, effective immediately, to implement these statutory changes. Emergency rules expire after one hundred twenty days; therefore, permanent rules must be developed and adopted to replace them.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The Washington State Department of Agriculture fruit and vegetable program staff will develop permanent rule language with assistance from interested parties. Interested parties will also have an opportunity to comment on the proposed rule amendments during the public comment period and at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jim Quigley, Program Manager, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program, Commodity Inspection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1883, fax (360) 902-2085.
July 1, 2002
Robert W. Gore
Assistant Director