Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department is considering amendments to current recreational fishing rules resulting from stakeholder recommendations made during North of Falcon meetings and to incorporate changes in the rules brought about from the department's freshwater recreational rule simplification project: WAC 220-312-020 Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast, 220-312-030 Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest, 220-312-040 Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound, 220-312-050 Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside, 220-312-060 Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River, 220-313-060 Puget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits, and 220-313-070 Coastal salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits.

Submit Written Comments to: Scott Bird, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43152, Olympia, WA 98501, email Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov, fax 360-902-2155, by July 10, 2019.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The department is filing a continuance to open up and extend the comment period which closed on June 24. The comment period will be open from July 1 through July 10, 2019, concerning this proposal. The department is providing the public the opportunity to comment on its changing the basis for the exemption to comply with the requirements of chapter 19.85 RCW.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Kelly Henderson, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2684; Implementation: Ron Warren, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2799; and Enforcement: Chief Steve Bear, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2373.

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal: Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(4).

Explanation of exemptions: The department listed an incorrect exemption on its previously filed proposal under WSR 19-11-130. The department is exempt from the requirements of chapter 19.85 RCW because the proposed recreational fishing rules do not regulate small businesses; rather, the department's proposed fishing rules regulate individuals who undertake recreational fishing activities. The statewide recreational rules that are the subject of this rule making simply govern the time, place and manner for individuals who want to enjoy the recreational fishing opportunities provided.