Subject of Possible Rule Making: Washington telephone assistance program, WAC 388-273-0020 and related sections.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 80.36.440.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This amendment specifies where applicants apply to get WTAP, eliminates the term "eligible telecommunications carrier," and redefines "local exchange company." The change is necessary to make the language consistent with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) rules.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: WTAP is jointly administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the WUTC. This change was requested by WUTC to align the language in DSHS and WUTC rules.

     Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rule. Anyone interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. After the rule is drafted, DSHS 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.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Grace Moy, DSHS/ESA, 1009 College Avenue S.E., P.O. Box 45413, Olympia, WA 98504-5413, (360) 413-3107, fax (360) 413-3497, moygc@dshs.wa.gov.

October 16, 2001

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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