WSR 17-04-102

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 1, 2017, 10:36 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department seeks to clarify the types of records that must be maintained by commercial fish and shellfish license holders and commercial wildlife vendors.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.020, and 77.12.047.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The fish and wildlife code (Title 77 RCW) provides authority for the department to define the records required of certain commercial fish, shellfish, and wildlife businesses. Department rules are currently insufficient. The department needs to better clarify the records requirements in rule pursuant to RCW 77.15.096.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington department of health (DOH). The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) police enforce DOH's criminal provisions related to the regulation of sanitary shellfish. Washington department of agriculture (WDA): WDFW police enforce WDA's criminal provisions related to the branding and labeling of seafood. WDA also inspects meat cutters regulated by WDFW where game animals are involved.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Scott Bird, WDFW Rules Coordinator, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2403, fax (360) 902-2155, email Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by March 8, 2017, expected proposal filing on or after March 15, 2017.

January 31, 2017

Scott Bird

Rules Coordinator