WSR 18-09-096

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed April 17, 2018, 4:09 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 196-23-070 Signature, 196-33-400 Seals and stamps, and 196-33-600 Signature (proposed new section).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.43.035, 18.210.050, 18.210.060.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The amendment to WAC 196-23-070 will give licensees the option to use electronic signatures when submitting documents required to have a signature, and will align signature requirements for all design professions. The amendment to the stamp design for WAC 196-33-400 will make it easier for licensees to upload documents requiring a stamp to local jurisdictions. Proposed new WAC 196-33-600 will outline the meaning of "signature" or "signed" as it is used in chapters 18.43, 18.210 RCW, and Title 196 WAC. It will include criteria for handwritten, digital and electronic representations of a signature and their requirements.

Process for Developing New Rule: Direct notice will be made to stakeholders and all active licensees and will be posted on our website and distributed through the BORPELS board and board staff. Interested parties may contact the individual listed below and the public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments or giving oral testimony during the public hearing process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Julie Konnersman, P.O. Box 9025, Olympia, WA 98507-9025, phone 360-664-1507, fax 360-570-7098, TTY 711, email engineers@dol.wa.gov, web site http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/engineerslandsurveyors/.

April 17, 2018

Damon Monroe

Rules Coordinator