PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-06-068.
Title of Rule: WAC 390-20-100 Effect of Public Disclosure Act--Freedom of communication--Employer interference.
Purpose: Assure members of the public that their right to communicate with state officials would not be restricted by the implementation of the disclosure law.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 42.17.370(1).
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 42.17.150 through 42.17.180.
Summary: Repeals WAC 390-20-100.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: This rule was originally adopted to address a public concern that no longer appears to exist.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Vicki Rippie, Public Disclosure Commission, 711 Capitol Way, Room 403, Olympia, (360) 586-4838; and Enforcement: Susan Harris, Public Disclosure Commission, 711 Capitol Way, Room 403, Olympia, (360) 753-1981.
Name of Proponent: Public Disclosure Commission, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: In 1973, when the initiative establishing the public disclosure law was being implemented, there was considerable concern that the lobbyist reporting provisions of the new statute might be construed as abridging in some way the public's right to communicate with governmental officials. WAC 390-20-100 was adopted to address that concern. It is likely that the public's anxiety has disintegrated over the years.
The elimination of this rule will have no impact on the public's ability to communicate with elected officials.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: The existing rule would be repealed.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed amendment does not have an economic impact on small businesses.
Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. The Public Disclosure Commission is not specified in section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, as being subject to this section nor has it been brought under the section as otherwise provided in the chapter law.
Hearing Location: Senate Hearing Room #2, John A. Cherberg Building, First Floor, 304 15th Avenue, Capitol Campus, Olympia, WA, on May 25, 1999, at 9:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Jennifer Alloway, 753-1111.
Submit Written Comments to: Vicki Rippie, Public Disclosure Commission, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, WA 98504-0908, fax (360) 753-1112, by May 12, 1999.
Date of Intended Adoption: May 25, 1999.
April 16, 1999
Vicki Rippie
Assistant Director
OTS-3071.1
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
| WAC 390-20-100 | Effect of Public Disclosure Act--Freedom of communication--Employer interference. |