PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) is considering enhancing its definition section in WAC 415-02-030. The department plans to add definitions of some words and phrases in common usage, that are not currently defined within the department's WACs or statutes. Other definitions, spread throughout other department WAC sections, will be moved or duplicated, to provide a central location for definitions.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050(5).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Excellent customer service dictates that the department's members and staff find information easily, and that the information be clear and comprehensive. Currently, definitions of frequently used terms, such as "defined benefit" and "defined contribution" exist neither in statute nor rule. The proposed change would add many new definitions to assist in customer understanding. In addition, many definitions are spread throughout the department's WACs. A central location will help the department's customers and staff by eliminating long searches through many pages of rules for the information they seek.
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 work on the project, with the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General. The public is invited and encouraged to participate, as described below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The DRS encourages your active participation in the rule-making process. Anyone interested in participating should contact the rules coordinator, below. After the rule(s) is drafted, DRS will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and send a copy to everyone currently on the mailing list and anyone else who requests a copy. For more information on how to participate, please contact Merry A. Kogut, Rules Coordinator, Department of Retirement Systems, Mailstop 48380, P.O. Box 48380, Olympia, WA 98504-8380, voice (360) 664-7291, TTY (360) 586-5450, e-mail merryk@drs.wa.gov, fax (360) 753-3166.
February 15, 2001
Merry A. Kogut
Rules Coordinator