PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-470 WAC, Quarantine -- Agricultural pests, the department is considering increasing laboratory diagnostic and postentry inspection fees, including hourly fees for these services. In addition, the department may amend the existing language to increase its clarity and readability and update the language to conform to current industry and regulatory standards.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 17.24.021 and 17.24.131, chapter 34.05 RCW, and chapter 564, Laws of 2009.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: During the 2009 legislative session, the Washington state legislature authorized (as required by Initiative 960) the Washington state department of agriculture to increase the plant pest inspection and testing fees as necessary to meet the actual costs of conducting business (see chapter 564, Laws of 2009).
This rule establishes the fees-for-service charged by the plant services program and pest program for activities authorized in chapter 17.24 RCW. This increase in fees would enable the programs to cover the costs associated with these activities.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony 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 Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov; or Tom Wessels, Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1984, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail twessels@agr.wa.gov.
July 1, 2009
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director