Chapter 34.05 RCW
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT
Chapter Listing | RCW Dispositions
Sections

34.05.001
Legislative intent.
PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
34.05.010
Definitions.
34.05.020
Savings -- Authority of agencies to comply with chapter -- Effect of subsequent legislation.
34.05.030
Exclusions from chapter or parts of chapter.
34.05.040
Operation of chapter if in conflict with federal law.
34.05.050
Waiver.
34.05.060
Informal settlements.
34.05.070
Conversion of proceedings.
34.05.080
Variation from time limits.
34.05.090
Forest practices board -- Emergency rules.
34.05.100
Respectful language.
34.05.110
Violations of state law or agency rule by small businesses -- Notice requirements -- Waiver of penalty for first-time paperwork violations.
34.05.120
Extension of rights and responsibilities -- State registered domestic partnerships.
PART II
PUBLIC ACCESS TO AGENCY RULES
34.05.210
Code and register -- Publication and distribution -- Omissions, removals, revisions -- Judicial notice.
34.05.220
Rules for agency procedure -- Indexes of opinions and statements.
34.05.230
Interpretive and policy statements.
34.05.240
Declaratory order by agency -- Petition.
34.05.250
Model rules of procedure.
34.05.260
Electronic distribution.
34.05.270
Agency web sites for rule-making information.
34.05.271
Department of fish and wildlife -- Significant agency action -- Identification and categorization of sources of information used.
34.05.272
Department of ecology -- Significant agency action -- Identification and categorization of sources of information used.
PART III
RULE-MAKING PROCEDURES
34.05.310
Prenotice inquiry -- Negotiated and pilot rules.
34.05.312
Rules coordinator.
34.05.313
Feasibility studies -- Pilot projects.
34.05.314
Rules development agenda.
34.05.315
Rule-making docket.
34.05.320
Notice of proposed rule -- Contents -- Distribution by agency -- Institutions of higher education.
34.05.322
Scope of rule-making authority.
34.05.325
Public participation -- Concise explanatory statement.
34.05.328
Significant legislative rules, other selected rules.
34.05.330
Petition for adoption, amendment, repeal -- Agency action -- Appeal.
34.05.335
Withdrawal of proposal -- Time and manner of adoption.
34.05.340
Variance between proposed and final rule.
34.05.345
Failure to give twenty days notice of intended action -- Effect.
34.05.350
Emergency rules and amendments.
34.05.353
Expedited rule making.
34.05.360
Order adopting rule, contents.
34.05.362
Postadoption notice.
34.05.365
Incorporation by reference.
34.05.370
Rule-making file.
34.05.375
Substantial compliance with procedures.
34.05.380
Filing with code reviser -- Written record -- Effective dates.
34.05.385
Rules for rule making.
34.05.390
Style, format, and numbering -- Agency compliance.
34.05.395
Format and style of amendatory and new sections -- Failure to comply.
PART IV
ADJUDICATIVE PROCEEDINGS
34.05.410
Application of Part IV.
34.05.413
Commencement -- When required.
34.05.416
Decision not to conduct an adjudication.
34.05.419
Agency action on applications for adjudication.
34.05.422
Rate changes, licenses.
34.05.425
Presiding officers -- Disqualification, substitution.
34.05.428
Representation.
34.05.431
Conference -- Procedure and participation.
34.05.434
Notice of hearing.
34.05.437
Pleadings, briefs, motions, service.
34.05.440
Default.
34.05.443
Intervention.
34.05.446
Subpoenas, discovery, and protective orders.
34.05.449
Procedure at hearing.
34.05.452
Rules of evidence -- Cross-examination.
34.05.455
Ex parte communications.
34.05.458
Separation of functions.
34.05.461
Entry of orders.
34.05.464
Review of initial orders.
34.05.467
Stay.
34.05.470
Reconsideration.
34.05.473
Effectiveness of orders.
34.05.476
Agency record.
34.05.479
Emergency adjudicative proceedings.
34.05.4791
Secure community transition facility -- Proceeding concerning public safety measures.
34.05.482
Brief adjudicative proceedings -- Applicability.
34.05.485
Brief adjudicative proceedings -- Procedure.
34.05.488
Brief proceedings -- Administrative review -- Applicability.
34.05.491
Brief proceedings -- Administrative review -- Procedures.
34.05.494
Agency record in brief proceedings.
PART V
JUDICIAL REVIEW AND CIVIL ENFORCEMENT
34.05.510
Relationship between this chapter and other judicial review authority.
34.05.514
Petition for review -- Where filed.
34.05.518
Direct review by court of appeals.
34.05.522
Refusal of review by court of appeals.
34.05.526
Appellate review by supreme court or court of appeals.
34.05.530
Standing.
34.05.534
Exhaustion of administrative remedies.
34.05.542
Time for filing petition for review.
34.05.546
Petition for review -- Contents.
34.05.550
Stay and other temporary remedies.
34.05.554
Limitation on new issues.
34.05.558
Judicial review of facts confined to record.
34.05.562
New evidence taken by court or agency.
34.05.566
Agency record for review -- Costs.
34.05.570
Judicial review.
34.05.574
Type of relief.
34.05.578
Petition by agency for enforcement.
34.05.582
Petition by others for enforcement.
34.05.586
Defenses, limitations on.
34.05.588
Enforcement of agency subpoena.
34.05.590
Incorporation of other judicial review provisions.
34.05.594
Review by higher court.
34.05.598
Frivolous petitions.
PART VI
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW
34.05.610
Joint administrative rules review committee -- Members -- Appointment -- Terms -- Vacancies.
34.05.620
Review of proposed rules -- Notice.
34.05.630
Review of existing rules -- Policy and interpretive statements, etc. -- Notice -- Hearing.
34.05.640
Committee objections to agency intended action -- Statement in register and WAC -- Suspension of rule.
34.05.650
Recommendations by committee to legislature.
34.05.655
Petition for review.
34.05.660
Review and objection procedures -- No presumption established.
34.05.665
Submission of rule for review -- State employees protected.
34.05.671
Reports -- Advisory boards -- Staff.
34.05.675
Inspection of properties -- Oaths, subpoenas, witnesses, depositions.
34.05.681
Enforcement -- Committee subpoena -- Refusal to testify.
PART IX
TECHNICAL PROVISIONS
34.05.900
Captions and headings.
34.05.902
Effective date -- Application -- 1988 c 288.
NOTES:
Nonbinding effect of unpublished rules and procedures: RCW 42.56.040.
Not applicable to the following proceedings and agreements: RCW 2.64.092, 41.56.452, 41.76.070, 47.64.310, 70.24.370, and 74.36.120.

34.05.001
Legislative intent.
The legislature intends, by enacting this 1988 Administrative Procedure Act, to clarify the existing law of administrative procedure, to achieve greater consistency with other states and the federal government in administrative procedure, and to provide greater public and legislative access to administrative decision making. The legislature intends that to the greatest extent possible and unless this chapter clearly requires otherwise, current agency practices and court decisions interpreting the Administrative Procedure Act in effect before July 1, 1989, shall remain in effect. The legislature also intends that the courts should interpret provisions of this chapter consistently with decisions of other courts interpreting similar provisions of other states, the federal government, and model acts.
[ 1988 c 288 § 18.]

34.05.010
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Adjudicative proceeding" means a proceeding before an agency in which an opportunity for hearing before that agency is required by statute or constitutional right before or after the entry of an order by the agency. Adjudicative proceedings also include all cases of licensing and rate making in which an application for a license or rate change is denied except as limited by RCW 66.08.150, or a license is revoked, suspended, or modified, or in which the granting of an application is contested by a person having standing to contest under the law.
(2) "Agency" means any state board, commission, department, institution of higher education, or officer, authorized by law to make rules or to conduct adjudicative proceedings, except those in the legislative or judicial branches, the governor, or the attorney general except to the extent otherwise required by law and any local governmental entity that may request the appointment of an administrative law judge under chapter 42.41 RCW.
(3) "Agency action" means licensing, the implementation or enforcement of a statute, the adoption or application of an agency rule or order, the imposition of sanctions, or the granting or withholding of benefits.
Agency action does not include an agency decision regarding (a) contracting or procurement of goods, services, public works, and the purchase, lease, or acquisition by any other means, including eminent domain, of real estate, as well as all activities necessarily related to those functions, or (b) determinations as to the sufficiency of a showing of interest filed in support of a representation petition, or mediation or conciliation of labor disputes or arbitration of labor disputes under a collective bargaining law or similar statute, or (c) any sale, lease, contract, or other proprietary decision in the management of public lands or real property interests, or (d) the granting of a license, franchise, or permission for the use of trademarks, symbols, and similar property owned or controlled by the agency.
(4) "Agency head" means the individual or body of individuals in whom the ultimate legal authority of the agency is vested by any provision of law. If the agency head is a body of individuals, a majority of those individuals constitutes the agency head.
(5) "Entry" of an order means the signing of the order by all persons who are to sign the order, as an official act indicating that the order is to be effective.
(6) "Filing" of a document that is required to be filed with an agency means delivery of the document to a place designated by the agency by rule for receipt of official documents, or in the absence of such designation, at the office of the agency head.
(7) "Institutions of higher education" are the University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, The Evergreen State College, the various community colleges, and the governing boards of each of the above, and the various colleges, divisions, departments, or offices authorized by the governing board of the institution involved to act for the institution, all of which are sometimes referred to in this chapter as "institutions."
(8) "Interpretive statement" means a written expression of the opinion of an agency, entitled an interpretive statement by the agency head or its designee, as to the meaning of a statute or other provision of law, of a court decision, or of an agency order.
(9)(a) "License" means a franchise, permit, certification, approval, registration, charter, or similar form of authorization required by law, but does not include (i) a license required solely for revenue purposes, or (ii) a certification of an exclusive bargaining representative, or similar status, under a collective bargaining law or similar statute, or (iii) a license, franchise, or permission for use of trademarks, symbols, and similar property owned or controlled by the agency.
(b) "Licensing" includes the agency process respecting the issuance, denial, revocation, suspension, or modification of a license.
(10) "Mail" or "send," for purposes of any notice relating to rule making or policy or interpretive statements, means regular mail or electronic distribution, as provided in RCW 34.05.260. "Electronic distribution" or "electronically" means distribution by electronic mail or facsimile mail.
(11)(a) "Order," without further qualification, means a written statement of particular applicability that finally determines the legal rights, duties, privileges, immunities, or other legal interests of a specific person or persons.
(b) "Order of adoption" means the official written statement by which an agency adopts, amends, or repeals a rule.
(12) "Party to agency proceedings," or "party" in a context so indicating, means:
(a) A person to whom the agency action is specifically directed; or
(b) A person named as a party to the agency proceeding or allowed to intervene or participate as a party in the agency proceeding.
(13) "Party to judicial review or civil enforcement proceedings," or "party" in a context so indicating, means:
(a) A person who files a petition for a judicial review or civil enforcement proceeding; or
(b) A person named as a party in a judicial review or civil enforcement proceeding, or allowed to participate as a party in a judicial review or civil enforcement proceeding.
(14) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision or unit thereof, or public or private organization or entity of any character, and includes another agency.
(15) "Policy statement" means a written description of the current approach of an agency, entitled a policy statement by the agency head or its designee, to implementation of a statute or other provision of law, of a court decision, or of an agency order, including where appropriate the agency's current practice, procedure, or method of action based upon that approach.
(16) "Rule" means any agency order, directive, or regulation of general applicability (a) the violation of which subjects a person to a penalty or administrative sanction; (b) which establishes, alters, or revokes any procedure, practice, or requirement relating to agency hearings; (c) which establishes, alters, or revokes any qualification or requirement relating to the enjoyment of benefits or privileges conferred by law; (d) which establishes, alters, or revokes any qualifications or standards for the issuance, suspension, or revocation of licenses to pursue any commercial activity, trade, or profession; or (e) which establishes, alters, or revokes any mandatory standards for any product or material which must be met before distribution or sale. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule, but does not include (i) statements concerning only the internal management of an agency and not affecting private rights or procedures available to the public, (ii) declaratory rulings issued pursuant to RCW 34.05.240, (iii) traffic restrictions for motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians established by the secretary of transportation or his or her designee where notice of such restrictions is given by official traffic control devices, (iv) rules of institutions of higher education involving standards of admission, academic advancement, academic credit, graduation and the granting of degrees, employment relationships, or fiscal processes, or (v) the determination and publication of updated nexus thresholds by the department of revenue in accordance with RCW 82.04.067.
(17) "Rules review committee" or "committee" means the joint administrative rules review committee created pursuant to RCW 34.05.610 for the purpose of selectively reviewing existing and proposed rules of state agencies.
(18) "Rule making" means the process for formulation and adoption of a rule.
(19) "Service," except as otherwise provided in this chapter, means posting in the United States mail, properly addressed, postage prepaid, or personal or electronic service. Service by mail is complete upon deposit in the United States mail. Agencies may, by rule, authorize service by electronic transmission, or by commercial parcel delivery company.
[ 2014 c 97 § 101; 2013 c 110 § 3; 2011 c 336 § 762; 1997 c 126 § 2; 1992 c 44 § 10; 1989 c 175 § 1; 1988 c 288 § 101; 1982 c 10 § 5. Prior: 1981 c 324 § 2; 1981 c 183 § 1; 1967 c 237 § 1; 1959 c 234 § 1. Formerly RCW 34.04.010.]
NOTES:
Effective dates -- 1992 c 44: See RCW 42.41.901.
Effective dates -- 1989 c 175: "Sections 1 through 35 and 37 through 185 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on July 1, 1989. Section 36 of this act shall take effect on July 1, 1990." [ 1989 c 175 § 186.]
Severability -- 1982 c 10: See note following RCW 6.13.080.
Legislative affirmation -- 1981 c 324: "The legislature affirms that all rule-making authority of state agencies and institutions of higher education is a function delegated by the legislature, and as such, shall be exercised pursuant to the conditions and restrictions contained in this act." [ 1981 c 324 § 1.]
Severability -- 1981 c 324: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1981 c 324 § 18.]

34.05.020
Savings -- Authority of agencies to comply with chapter -- Effect of subsequent legislation.
Nothing in this chapter may be held to diminish the constitutional rights of any person or to limit or repeal additional requirements imposed by statute or otherwise recognized by law. Except as otherwise required by law, all requirements or privileges relating to evidence or procedure shall apply equally to agencies and persons. Every agency is granted all authority necessary to comply with the requirements of this chapter through the issuance of rules or otherwise. No subsequent legislation shall be held to supersede or modify the provisions of this chapter or its applicability to any agency except to the extent that such legislation shall do so expressly.
[ 1988 c 288 § 102; 1967 c 237 § 24. Formerly RCW 34.04.940.]

34.05.030
Exclusions from chapter or parts of chapter.
(1) This chapter shall not apply to:
(a) The state militia, or
(b) The board of clemency and pardons, or
(c) The department of corrections or the indeterminate sentencing review board with respect to persons who are in their custody or are subject to the jurisdiction of those agencies.
(2) The provisions of RCW 34.05.410 through 34.05.598 shall not apply:
(a) To adjudicative proceedings of the board of industrial insurance appeals except as provided in RCW 7.68.110 and 51.48.131;
(b) Except for actions pursuant to chapter 46.29 RCW, to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a driver's license by the department of licensing;
(c) To the department of labor and industries where another statute expressly provides for review of adjudicative proceedings of a department action, order, decision, or award before the board of industrial insurance appeals;
(d) To actions of the Washington personnel resources board, the director of financial management, and the department of enterprise services when carrying out their duties under chapter 41.06 RCW;
(e) To adjustments by the department of revenue of the amount of the surcharge imposed under RCW 82.04.261; or
(f) To the extent they are inconsistent with any provisions of chapter 43.43 RCW.
(3) Unless a party makes an election for a formal hearing pursuant to RCW 82.03.140 or 82.03.190, RCW 34.05.410 through 34.05.598 do not apply to a review hearing conducted by the board of tax appeals.
(4) The rule-making provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
(a) Reimbursement unit values, fee schedules, arithmetic conversion factors, and similar arithmetic factors used to determine payment rates that apply to goods and services purchased under contract for clients eligible under chapter 74.09 RCW; and
(b) Adjustments by the department of revenue of the amount of the surcharge imposed under RCW 82.04.261.
(5) All other agencies, whether or not formerly specifically excluded from the provisions of all or any part of the administrative procedure act, shall be subject to the entire act.
[ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 § 309; 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 § 431; 2006 c 300 § 4; 2002 c 354 § 225; 1994 c 39 § 1; 1993 c 281 § 15; 1989 c 175 § 2; 1988 c 288 § 103; 1984 c 141 § 8; 1982 c 221 § 6; 1981 c 64 § 2; 1979 c 158 § 90; 1971 ex.s. c 57 § 17; 1971 c 21 § 1; 1967 ex.s. c 71 § 1; 1967 c 237 § 7; 1963 c 237 § 1; 1959 c 234 § 15. Formerly RCW 34.04.150.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- Purpose -- 2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Effective dates -- Contingent effective date -- 2006 c 300: See note following RCW 82.04.261.
Short title -- Headings, captions not law -- Severability -- Effective dates -- 2002 c 354: See RCW 41.80.907 through 41.80.910.
Effective date -- 1993 c 281: See note following RCW 41.06.022.
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

34.05.040
Operation of chapter if in conflict with federal law.
If any part of this chapter is found to be in conflict with federal requirements which are a condition precedent to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this chapter is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and such findings or determination shall not affect the operation of the remainder of this chapter in its application to the agencies concerned.
[ 1988 c 288 § 104; 1959 c 234 § 19. Formerly RCW 34.04.930.]

34.05.050
Waiver.
Except to the extent precluded by another provision of law, a person may waive any right conferred upon that person by this chapter.
[ 1988 c 288 § 105.]

34.05.060
Informal settlements.
Except to the extent precluded by another provision of law and subject to approval by agency order, informal settlement of matters that may make unnecessary more elaborate proceedings under this chapter is strongly encouraged. Agencies may establish by rule specific procedures for attempting and executing informal settlement of matters. This section does not require any party or other person to settle a matter.
[ 1988 c 288 § 106.]

34.05.070
Conversion of proceedings.
(1) If it becomes apparent during the course of an adjudicative or rule-making proceeding undertaken pursuant to this chapter that another form of proceeding under this chapter is necessary, is in the public interest, or is more appropriate to resolve issues affecting the participants, on his or her own motion or on the motion of any party, the presiding officer or other official responsible for the original proceeding shall advise the parties of necessary steps for conversion and, if within the official's power, commence the new proceeding. If the agency refuses to convert to another proceeding, that decision is not subject to judicial review. Commencement of the new proceeding shall be accomplished pursuant to the procedural rules of the new proceeding, except that elements already performed need not be repeated.
(2) If appropriate, a new proceeding may be commenced independently of the original proceeding or may replace the original proceeding.
(3) Conversion to a replacement proceeding shall not be undertaken if the rights of any party will be substantially prejudiced.
(4) To the extent feasible the record of the original proceeding shall be included in the record of a replacement proceeding.
(5) The time of commencement of a replacement proceeding shall be considered to be the time of commencement of the original proceeding.
[ 1988 c 288 § 107.]

34.05.080
Variation from time limits.
(1) An agency may modify time limits established in this chapter only as set forth in this section. An agency may not modify time limits relating to rule-making procedures or the time limits for filing a petition for judicial review specified in RCW 34.05.542.
(2) The time limits set forth in this chapter may be modified by rule of the agency or by rule of the chief administrative law judge if:
(a) The agency has an agency head composed of a body of individuals serving part time who do not regularly meet on a schedule that would allow compliance with the time limits of this chapter in the normal course of agency affairs;
(b) The agency does not have a permanent staff to comply with the time limits set forth in this chapter without substantial loss of efficiency and economy; and
(c) The rights of persons dealing with the agency are not substantially impaired.
(3) The time limits set forth in this chapter may be modified by rule if the agency determines that the change is necessary to the performance of its statutory duties. Agency rule may provide for emergency variation when required in a specific case.
(4) Time limits may be changed pursuant to RCW 34.05.040.
(5) Time limits may be waived pursuant to RCW 34.05.050.
(6) Any modification in the time limits set forth in this chapter shall be to new time limits that are reasonable under the specific circumstances.
(7) In an adjudicative proceeding, any agency whose time limits vary from those set forth in this chapter shall provide reasonable and adequate notice of the pertinent time limits to persons affected. The notice may be given by the presiding or reviewing officer involved in the proceeding.
(8) Two years after July 1, 1989, the chief administrative law judge shall cause a survey to be made of variations by agencies from the time limits set forth in this chapter, and shall submit a written report of the results of the survey to the office of the governor.
[ 1989 c 175 § 3; 1988 c 288 § 108.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

34.05.090
Forest practices board -- Emergency rules.
Emergency rules adopted by the forest practices board pertaining to forest practices and the protection of aquatic resources are subject to this chapter to the extent provided in RCW 76.09.055.
[ 1999 sp.s. c 4 § 202.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 4 §§ 201, 202, and 203: See note following RCW 76.09.055.
Part headings not law -- 1999 sp.s. c 4: See note following RCW 77.85.180.

34.05.100
Respectful language.
(1) All agency orders creating new rules, or amending existing rules, shall be formulated in accordance with the requirements of RCW 44.04.280 regarding the use of respectful language.
(2) No agency rule is invalid because it does not comply with this section.
[ 2004 c 175 § 2.]

34.05.110
Violations of state law or agency rule by small businesses -- Notice requirements -- Waiver of penalty for first-time paperwork violations.
(1) Agencies must provide to a small business a copy of the state law or agency rule that a small business is violating and a period of at least seven calendar days to correct the violation before the agency may impose any fines, civil penalties, or administrative sanctions for a violation of a state law or agency rule by a small business. If no correction is possible or if an agency is acting in response to a complaint made by a third party and the third party would be disadvantaged by the application of this subsection, the requirements in this subsection do not apply.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, agencies shall waive any fines, civil penalties, or administrative sanctions for first-time paperwork violations by a small business.
(3) When an agency waives a fine, penalty, or sanction under this section, when possible it shall require the small business to correct the violation within a reasonable period of time, in a manner specified by the agency. If correction is impossible, no correction may be required and failure to correct is not grounds for reinstatement of fines, penalties, or sanctions under subsection (5)(b) of this section.
(4) Exceptions to requirements of subsection (1) of this section and the waiver requirement in subsection (2) of this section may be made for any of the following reasons:
(a) The agency head determines that the effect of the violation or waiver presents a direct danger to the public health, results in a loss of income or benefits to an employee, poses a potentially significant threat to human health or the environment, or causes serious harm to the public interest;
(b) The violation involves a knowing or willful violation;
(c) The violation is of a requirement concerning the assessment, collection, or administration of any tax, tax program, debt, revenue, receipt, a regulated entity's financial filings, or insurance rate or form filing;
(d) The requirements of this section are in conflict with federal law or program requirements, federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, or the requirements for eligibility of employers in this state for federal unemployment tax credits, as determined by the agency head;
(e) The small business committing the violation previously violated a substantially similar requirement; or
(f) The owner or operator of the small business committing the violation owns or operates, or owned or operated a different small business which previously violated a substantially similar requirement.
(5)(a) Nothing in this section prohibits an agency from waiving fines, civil penalties, or administrative sanctions incurred by a small business for a paperwork violation that is not a first-time offense.
(b) Any fine, civil penalty, or administrative sanction that is waived under this section may be reinstated and imposed in addition to any additional fines, penalties, or administrative sanctions associated with a subsequent violation for noncompliance with a substantially similar paperwork requirement, or failure to correct the previous violation as required by the agency under subsection (3) of this section.
(6) Nothing in this section may be construed to diminish the responsibility for any citizen or business to apply for and obtain a permit, license, or authorizing document that is required to engage in a regulated activity, or otherwise comply with state or federal law.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to small businesses required to provide accurate and complete information and documentation in relation to any claim for payment of state or federal funds or who are licensed or certified to provide care and services to vulnerable adults or children.
(8) Nothing in this section affects the attorney general's authority to impose fines, civil penalties, or administrative sanctions as otherwise authorized by law; nor shall this section affect the attorney general's authority to enforce the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
(9) As used in this section:
(a) "Small business" means a business with two hundred fifty or fewer employees or a gross revenue of less than seven million dollars annually as reported on its most recent federal income tax return or its most recent return filed with the department of revenue.
(b) "Paperwork violation" means the violation of any statutory or regulatory requirement that mandates the collection of information by an agency, or the collection, posting, or retention of information by a small business. This includes but is not limited to requirements in the Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, the Washington State Register, or any other agency directive.
(c) "First-time paperwork violation" means the first instance of a particular or substantially similar paperwork violation.
[ 2011 c 18 § 1; 2010 c 194 § 1; 2009 c 358 § 1.]

34.05.120
Extension of rights and responsibilities -- State registered domestic partnerships.
(1) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, except where inconsistent with federal law or regulations applicable to federal benefit programs, agencies shall amend their rules to reflect the intent of the legislature to ensure that all privileges, immunities, rights, benefits, or responsibilities granted or imposed by statute to an individual because that individual is or was a spouse in a marital relationship are granted or imposed on equivalent terms to an individual because that individual is or was in a state registered domestic partnership.
(2) Except where inconsistent with federal law or regulations applicable to federal benefit programs, all agency orders creating new rules, or amending existing rules, shall be formulated to reflect the intent stated in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) No agency rule is invalid because it does not comply with this section.
[ 2009 c 521 § 2.]

34.05.210
Code and register -- Publication and distribution -- Omissions, removals, revisions -- Judicial notice.
(1)(a) The code reviser shall cause the Washington Administrative Code to be compiled, indexed by subject, and published. All current, permanently effective rules of each agency shall be published in the Washington Administrative Code. Compilations shall be supplemented or revised as often as necessary and at least annually in a form compatible with the main compilation.
(b) The statute law committee, in its discretion, may publish the official copy of the Washington Administrative Code in a digital format on the code reviser or legislative web site.
(c) The code reviser shall provide a paper copy of the entire Washington Administrative Code or any section or sections of the code upon request. The code reviser may charge a minimal fee sufficient to cover costs of printing and mailing the paper copy.
(d) The code reviser shall provide a limited number of free paper copies of the Washington Administrative Code to libraries or institutions on request for access and archival purposes.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the code reviser shall prescribe a uniform numbering system, form, and style for all proposed and adopted rules.
(3) The code reviser shall publish a register setting forth the text of all rules filed during the appropriate register publication period.
(4) The code reviser may omit from the register or the compilation, rules that would be unduly cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise inexpedient to publish, if such rules are made available in printed or processed form on application to the adopting agency, and if the register or compilation contains a notice stating the general subject matter of the rules so omitted and stating how copies thereof may be obtained.
(5) The code reviser may edit and revise rules for publication, codification, and compilation, without changing the meaning of any such rule.
(6) When a rule, in whole or in part, is declared invalid and unconstitutional by a court of final appeal, the adopting agency shall give notice to that effect in the register. With the consent of the attorney general, the code reviser may remove obsolete rules or parts of rules from the Washington Administrative Code when:
(a) The rules are declared unconstitutional by a court of final appeal; or
(b) The adopting agency ceases to exist and the rules are not transferred by statute to a successor agency.
(7) Compilations and registers shall be made available for purchase, in print or tangible, digital format, at a price fixed by the code reviser.
(8) The board of law library trustees of each county shall keep and maintain a complete and current set of registers and compilations when required for use and inspection as provided in chapter 27.24 RCW. If the register or compilation is published in digital format on the code reviser or legislative web site, providing on-site access to the digital version of the register shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection for access to the register.
(9) Judicial notice shall be taken of rules filed and published as provided in RCW 34.05.380 and this section.
[ 2011 c 156 § 4; 2007 c 456 § 3; 1988 c 288 § 201; 1982 1st ex.s. c 32 § 7; 1980 c 186 § 12; 1977 ex.s. c 240 § 9; 1959 c 234 § 5. Formerly RCW 34.04.050.]
NOTES:
Purpose -- Finding -- Intent -- 2011 c 156: See note following RCW 1.08.080.
Severability -- 1980 c 186: See note following RCW 34.05.320.
Effective date -- 1977 ex.s. c 240: See RCW 34.08.905.
Nonbinding effect of unpublished rules and procedures: RCW 42.56.040.

34.05.220
Rules for agency procedure -- Indexes of opinions and statements.
(1) In addition to other rule-making requirements imposed by law:
(a) Each agency may adopt rules governing the formal and informal procedures prescribed or authorized by this chapter and rules of practice before the agency, together with forms and instructions. If an agency has not adopted procedural rules under this section, the model rules adopted by the chief administrative law judge under RCW 34.05.250 govern procedures before the agency.
(b) To assist interested persons dealing with it, each agency shall adopt as a rule a description of its organization, stating the general course and method of its operations and the methods whereby the public may obtain information and make submissions or requests. No person may be required to comply with agency procedure not adopted as a rule as herein required.
(2) To the extent not prohibited by federal law or regulation, nor prohibited for reasons of confidentiality by state law, each agency shall keep on file for public inspection all final orders, decisions, and opinions in adjudicative proceedings, interpretive statements, policy statements, and any digest or index to those orders, decisions, opinions, or statements prepared by or for the agency.
(3) No agency order, decision, or opinion is valid or effective against any person, nor may it be invoked by the agency for any purpose, unless it is available for public inspection. This subsection is not applicable in favor of any person who has actual knowledge of the order, decision, or opinion. The agency has the burden of proving that knowledge, but may meet that burden by proving that the person has been properly served with a copy of the order.
(4) Each agency that is authorized by law to exercise discretion in deciding individual cases is encouraged to formalize the general principles that may evolve from these decisions by adopting the principles as rules that the agency will follow until they are amended or repealed.
(5) To the extent practicable, any rule proposed or adopted by an agency should be clearly and simply stated, so that it can be understood by those required to comply.
(6) The departments of employment security, labor and industries, ecology, and revenue shall develop and use a notification process to communicate information to the public regarding the postadoption notice required by RCW 34.05.362.
[ 2003 c 246 § 2; 1994 c 249 § 24; 1989 c 175 § 4; 1988 c 288 § 202; 1981 c 67 § 13; 1967 c 237 § 2; 1959 c 234 § 2. Formerly RCW 34.04.020.]
NOTES:
Finding -- 2003 c 246: See note following RCW 34.05.362.
Severability -- Application -- 1994 c 249: See notes following RCW 34.05.310.
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
Effective dates -- Severability -- 1981 c 67: See notes following RCW 34.12.010.

34.05.230
Interpretive and policy statements.
(1) An agency is encouraged to advise the public of its current opinions, approaches, and likely courses of action by means of interpretive or policy statements. Current interpretive and policy statements are advisory only. To better inform and involve the public, an agency is encouraged to convert long-standing interpretive and policy statements into rules.
(2) A person may petition an agency requesting the conversion of interpretive and policy statements into rules. Upon submission, the agency shall notify the joint administrative rules review committee of the petition. Within sixty days after submission of a petition, the agency shall either deny the petition in writing, stating its reasons for the denial, or initiate rule-making proceedings in accordance with this chapter.
(3) Each agency shall maintain a roster of interested persons, consisting of persons who have requested in writing to be notified of all interpretive and policy statements issued by that agency. Each agency shall update the roster periodically and eliminate persons who do not indicate a desire to continue on the roster. Whenever an agency issues an interpretive or policy statement, it shall send a copy of the statement to each person listed on the roster. The agency may charge a nominal fee to the interested person for this service.
(4) Whenever an agency issues an interpretive or policy statement, it shall submit to the code reviser for publication in the Washington State Register a statement describing the subject matter of the interpretive or policy statement, and listing the person at the agency from whom a copy of the interpretive or policy statement may be obtained.
[ 2004 c 31 § 3; 2001 c 25 § 1; 1997 c 409 § 202; 1996 c 206 § 12; 1995 c 403 § 702; 1988 c 288 § 203.]
NOTES:
Part headings -- Severability -- 1997 c 409: See notes following RCW 43.22.051.
Findings -- 1996 c 206: See note following RCW 43.05.030.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.

34.05.240
Declaratory order by agency -- Petition.
(1) Any person may petition an agency for a declaratory order with respect to the applicability to specified circumstances of a rule, order, or statute enforceable by the agency. The petition shall set forth facts and reasons on which the petitioner relies to show:
(a) That uncertainty necessitating resolution exists;
(b) That there is actual controversy arising from the uncertainty such that a declaratory order will not be merely an advisory opinion;
(c) That the uncertainty adversely affects the petitioner;
(d) That the adverse effect of uncertainty on the petitioner outweighs any adverse effects on others or on the general public that may likely arise from the order requested; and
(e) That the petition complies with any additional requirements established by the agency under subsection (2) of this section.
(2) Each agency may adopt rules that provide for: (a) The form, contents, and filing of petitions for a declaratory order; (b) the procedural rights of persons in relation thereto; and (c) the disposition of those petitions. These rules may include a description of the classes of circumstances in which the agency will not enter a declaratory order and shall be consistent with the public interest and with the general policy of this chapter to facilitate and encourage agencies to provide reliable advice.
(3) Within fifteen days after receipt of a petition for a declaratory order, the agency shall give notice of the petition to all persons to whom notice is required by law, and may give notice to any other person it deems desirable.
(4) RCW 34.05.410 through 34.05.494 apply to agency proceedings for declaratory orders only to the extent an agency so provides by rule or order.
(5) Within thirty days after receipt of a petition for a declaratory order an agency, in writing, shall do one of the following:
(a) Enter an order declaring the applicability of the statute, rule, or order in question to the specified circumstances;
(b) Set the matter for specified proceedings to be held no more than ninety days after receipt of the petition;
(c) Set a specified time no more than ninety days after receipt of the petition by which it will enter a declaratory order; or
(d) Decline to enter a declaratory order, stating the reasons for its action.
(6) The time limits of subsection (5) (b) and (c) of this section may be extended by the agency for good cause.
(7) An agency may not enter a declaratory order that would substantially prejudice the rights of a person who would be a necessary party and who does not consent in writing to the determination of the matter by a declaratory order proceeding.
(8) A declaratory order has the same status as any other order entered in an agency adjudicative proceeding. Each declaratory order shall contain the names of all parties to the proceeding on which it is based, the particular facts on which it is based, and the reasons for its conclusions.
[ 1988 c 288 § 204; 1959 c 234 § 8. Formerly RCW 34.04.080.]

34.05.250
Model rules of procedure.
The chief administrative law judge shall adopt model rules of procedure appropriate for use by as many agencies as possible. The model rules shall deal with all general functions and duties performed in common by the various agencies. Each agency shall adopt as much of the model rules as is reasonable under its circumstances. Any agency adopting a rule of procedure that differs from the model rules shall include in the order of adoption a finding stating the reasons for variance.
[ 1988 c 288 § 205.]

34.05.260
Electronic distribution.
(1) In order to provide the greatest possible access to agency documents to the most people, agencies are encouraged to make their rule, interpretive, and policy information available through electronic distribution as well as through the regular mail. Agencies that have the capacity to transmit electronically may ask persons who are on mailing lists or rosters for copies of interpretive statements, policy statements, preproposal statements of inquiry, and other similar notices whether they would like to receive the notices electronically.
(2) Electronic distribution to persons who request it may substitute for mailed copies related to rule making or policy or interpretive statements. If a notice is distributed electronically, the agency is not required to transmit the actual notice form but must send all the information contained in the notice.
(3) Agencies which maintain mailing lists or rosters for any notices relating to rule making or policy or interpretive statements may establish different rosters or lists by general subject area.
[ 1997 c 126 § 1.]

34.05.270
Agency web sites for rule-making information.
Within existing resources, each state agency shall maintain a web site that contains the agency's rule-making information. A direct link to the agency's rule-making page must be displayed on the agency's homepage. The rule-making web site shall include the complete text of all proposed rules, emergency rules, and permanent rules proposed or adopted within the past twelve months, or include a direct link to the index page on the Washington State Register web site that contains links to the complete text of all proposed rules, emergency rules, and permanent rules proposed or adopted within the past twelve months by that state agency. For proposed rules, the time, date, and place for the rule-making hearing and the procedures and timelines for submitting written comments and supporting data must be posted on the web site.
[ 2009 c 93 § 1.]

34.05.271
Department of fish and wildlife -- Significant agency action -- Identification and categorization of sources of information used.
(1)(a) Before taking a significant agency action, the department of fish and wildlife must identify the sources of information reviewed and relied upon by the agency in the course of preparing to take significant agency action. Peer-reviewed literature, if applicable, must be identified, as well as any scientific literature or other sources of information used. The department of fish and wildlife shall make available on the agency's web site the index of records required under RCW 42.56.070 that are relied upon, or invoked, in support of a proposal for significant agency action.
(b) On the agency's web site, the department of fish and wildlife must identify and categorize each source of information that is relied upon in the form of a bibliography, citation list, or similar list of sources. The categories in (c) of this subsection do not imply or infer any hierarchy or level of quality.
(c) The bibliography, citation list, or similar list of sources must categorize the sources of information as belonging to one or more of the following categories:
(i) Independent peer review: Review is overseen by an independent third party;
(ii) Internal peer review: Review by staff internal to the department of fish and wildlife;
(iii) External peer review: Review by persons that are external to and selected by the department of fish and wildlife;
(iv) Open review: Documented open public review process that is not limited to invited organizations or individuals;
(v) Legal and policy document: Documents related to the legal framework for the significant agency action including but not limited to:
(A) Federal and state statutes;
(B) Court and hearings board decisions;
(C) Federal and state administrative rules and regulations; and
(D) Policy and regulatory documents adopted by local governments;
(vi) Data from primary research, monitoring activities, or other sources, but that has not been incorporated as part of documents reviewed under the processes described in (c)(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this subsection;
(vii) Records of the best professional judgment of department of fish and wildlife employees or other individuals; or
(viii) Other: Sources of information that do not fit into one of the categories identified in this subsection (1)(c).
(2)(a) For the purposes of this section, "significant agency action" means an act of the department of fish and wildlife that:
(i) Results in the development of a significant legislative rule as defined in RCW 34.05.328;
(ii) Results in the development of technical guidance, technical assessments, or technical documents that are used to directly support implementation of a state rule or state statute; or
(iii) Results in the development of fish and wildlife recovery plans.
(b) "Significant agency action" does not include rule making by the department of fish and wildlife associated with fishing and hunting rules.
(3) This section is not intended to affect agency action regarding individual permitting, compliance and enforcement decisions, or guidance provided by an agency to a local government on a case-by-case basis.
[ 2014 c 21 § 1; 2013 c 68 § 2.]
NOTES:
Finding -- Intent -- 2013 c 68: "(1) The legislature finds that it is critically important that scientific information used to inform public policy be of the highest quality and integrity. Furthermore, the legislature recognizes that a public benefit is derived from greater transparency as to what scientific information, data, or records are being used to inform public policy or relied upon in agency decision making.
(2) Therefore, in order to help ensure that agencies routinely use scientifically credible information in conducting their policy-making functions, it is the intent of the legislature to have those sources of scientific information reviewed and relied upon by agencies be identified in a clear and transparent way." [ 2013 c 68 § 1.]

34.05.272
Department of ecology -- Significant agency action -- Identification and categorization of sources of information used.
(1) This section applies only to the water quality and shorelands and environmental assistance programs within the department of ecology.
(2)(a) Before taking a significant agency action, the department of ecology must identify the sources of information reviewed and relied upon by the agency in the course of preparing to take significant agency action. Peer-reviewed literature, if applicable, must be identified, as well as any scientific literature or other sources of information used. The department of ecology shall make available on the agency's web site the index of records required under RCW 42.56.070 that are relied upon, or invoked, in support of a proposal for significant agency action.
(b) On the agency's web site, the department of ecology must identify and categorize each source of information that is relied upon in the form of a bibliography, citation list, or similar list of sources. The categories in (c) of this subsection do not imply or infer any hierarchy or level of quality.
(c) The bibliography, citation list, or similar list of sources must categorize the sources of information as belonging to one or more of the following categories:
(i) Independent peer review: Review is overseen by an independent third party;
(ii) Internal peer review: Review by staff internal to the department of ecology;
(iii) External peer review: Review by persons that are external to and selected by the department of ecology;
(iv) Open review: Documented open public review process that is not limited to invited organizations or individuals;
(v) Legal and policy document: Documents related to the legal framework for the significant agency action including but not limited to:
(A) Federal and state statutes;
(B) Court and hearings board decisions;
(C) Federal and state administrative rules and regulations; and
(D) Policy and regulatory documents adopted by local governments;
(vi) Data from primary research, monitoring activities, or other sources, but that has not been incorporated as part of documents reviewed under the processes described in (c)(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this subsection;
(vii) Records of the best professional judgment of department of ecology employees or other individuals; or
(viii) Other: Sources of information that do not fit into one of the categories identified in this subsection(1)(c).
(3) For the purposes of this section, "significant agency action" means an act of the department of ecology that:
(a) Results in the development of a significant legislative rule as defined in RCW 34.05.328; or
(b) Results in the development of technical guidance, technical assessments, or technical documents that are used to directly support implementation of a state rule or state statute.
(4) This section is not intended to affect agency action regarding individual permitting, compliance and enforcement decisions, or guidance provided by an agency to a local government on a case-by-case basis.
[ 2014 c 22 § 1; 2013 c 69 § 2.]
NOTES:
Finding -- Intent -- 2013 c 69: "(1) The legislature finds that it is critically important that scientific information used to inform public policy be of the highest quality and integrity. Furthermore, the legislature recognizes that a public benefit is derived from greater transparency as to what scientific information, data, or records are being used to inform public policy or relied upon in agency decision making.
(2) Therefore, in order to help ensure that agencies routinely use scientifically credible information in conducting their policy-making functions, it is the intent of the legislature to have those sources of scientific information reviewed and relied upon by agencies be identified in a clear and transparent way." [ 2013 c 69 § 1.]

34.05.310
Prenotice inquiry -- Negotiated and pilot rules.
(1)(a) To meet the intent of providing greater public access to administrative rule making and to promote consensus among interested parties, agencies must solicit comments from the public on a subject of possible rule making before filing with the code reviser a notice of proposed rule making under RCW 34.05.320. The agency must prepare a statement of inquiry that:
(i) Identifies the specific statute or statutes authorizing the agency to adopt rules on this subject;
(ii) Discusses why rules on this subject may be needed and what they might accomplish;
(iii) Identifies other federal and state agencies that regulate this subject, and describes the process whereby the agency would coordinate the contemplated rule with these agencies;
(iv) Discusses the process by which the rule might be developed, including, but not limited to, negotiated rule making, pilot rule making, or agency study;
(v) Specifies the process by which interested parties can effectively participate in the decision to adopt a new rule and formulation of a proposed rule before its publication.
(b) The statement of inquiry must be filed with the code reviser for publication in the state register at least thirty days before the date the agency files notice of proposed rule making under RCW 34.05.320 and the statement, or a summary of the information contained in that statement, must be sent to any party that has requested receipt of the agency's statements of inquiry.
(2) Agencies are encouraged to develop and use new procedures for reaching agreement among interested parties before publication of notice and the adoption hearing on a proposed rule. Examples of new procedures include, but are not limited to:
(a) Negotiated rule making by which representatives of an agency and of the interests that are affected by a subject of rule making, including, where appropriate, county and city representatives, seek to reach consensus on the terms of the proposed rule and on the process by which it is negotiated; and
(b) Pilot rule making which includes testing the feasibility of complying with or administering draft new rules or draft amendments to existing rules through the use of volunteer pilot groups in various areas and circumstances, as provided in RCW 34.05.313 or as otherwise provided by the agency.
(3)(a) An agency must make a determination whether negotiated rule making, pilot rule making, or another process for generating participation from interested parties prior to development of the rule is appropriate.
(b) An agency must include a written justification in the rule-making file if an opportunity for interested parties to participate in the rule-making process prior to publication of the proposed rule has not been provided.
(4) This section does not apply to:
(a) Emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350;
(b) Rules relating only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a nongovernment party;
(c) Rules adopting or incorporating by reference without material change federal statutes or regulations, Washington state statutes, rules of other Washington state agencies, shoreline master programs other than those programs governing shorelines of statewide significance, or, as referenced by Washington state law, national consensus codes that generally establish industry standards, if the material adopted or incorporated regulates the same subject matter and conduct as the adopting or incorporating rule;
(d) Rules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect;
(e) Rules the content of which is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute;
(f) Rules that set or adjust fees under the authority of RCW 19.02.075 or that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards, including fees set or adjusted under the authority of RCW 19.80.045; or
(g) Rules that adopt, amend, or repeal:
(i) A procedure, practice, or requirement relating to agency hearings; or
(ii) A filing or related process requirement for applying to an agency for a license or permit.
[ 2011 c 298 § 20; 2004 c 31 § 1; 1995 c 403 § 301; 1994 c 249 § 1; 1993 c 202 § 2; 1989 c 175 § 5; 1988 c 288 § 301.]
NOTES:
Purpose -- Intent -- Agency transfer -- Contracting -- Effective date -- 2011 c 289: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.
Application -- 1995 c 403 §§ 201, 301-305, 401-405, and 801: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Severability -- 1994 c 249: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1994 c 249 § 38.]
Application -- 1994 c 249: "This act applies prospectively only and not retroactively." [ 1994 c 249 § 36.]
Finding -- Intent -- 1993 c 202: "The legislature finds that while the 1988 Administrative Procedure Act expanded public participation in the agency rule-making process, there continue to be instances when participants have developed adversarial relationships with each other, resulting in the inability to identify all of the issues, the failure to focus on solutions to problems, unnecessary delays, litigation, and added cost to the agency, affected parties, and the public in general.
When interested parties work together, it is possible to negotiate development of a rule that is acceptable to all affected, and that conforms to the intent of the statute the rule is intended to implement.
After a rule is adopted, unanticipated negative impacts may emerge. Examples include excessive costs of administration for the agency and compliance by affected parties, technical conditions that may be physically or economically unfeasible to meet, problems of interpretation due to lack of clarity, and reporting requirements that duplicate or conflict with those already in place.
It is therefore the intent of the legislature to encourage flexible approaches to developing administrative rules, including but not limited to negotiated rule making and a process for testing the feasibility of adopted rules, often called the pilot rule process. However, nothing in chapter 202, Laws of 1993 shall be construed to create any mandatory duty for an agency to use the procedures in RCW 34.05.310 or 34.05.313 in any particular instance of rule making. Agencies shall determine, in their discretion, when it is appropriate to use these procedures." [ 1993 c 202 § 1.]
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
Rules coordinator duties regarding business: RCW 43.17.310.

34.05.312
Rules coordinator.
Each agency shall designate a rules coordinator, who shall have knowledge of the subjects of rules being proposed or prepared within the agency for proposal, maintain the records of any such action, and respond to public inquiries about possible, proposed, or adopted rules and the identity of agency personnel working, reviewing, or commenting on them. The office and mailing address of the rules coordinator shall be published in the state register at the time of designation and maintained thereafter on the code reviser web site for the duration of the designation. The rules coordinator may be an employee of another agency.
[ 2007 c 456 § 4; 2003 c 246 § 4; 1993 c 202 § 3.]
NOTES:
Finding -- 2003 c 246: See note following RCW 34.05.362.
Finding -- Intent -- 1993 c 202: See note following RCW 34.05.310.

34.05.313
Feasibility studies -- Pilot projects.
(1) During the development of a rule or after its adoption, an agency may develop methods for measuring or testing the feasibility of complying with or administering the rule and for identifying simple, efficient, and economical alternatives for achieving the goal of the rule. A pilot project shall include public notice, participation by volunteers who are or will be subject to the rule, a high level of involvement from agency management, reasonable completion dates, and a process by which one or more parties may withdraw from the process or the process may be terminated. Volunteers who agree to test a rule and attempt to meet the requirements of the draft rule, to report periodically to the proposing agency on the extent of their ability to meet the requirements of the draft rule, and to make recommendations for improving the draft rule shall not be obligated to comply fully with the rule being tested nor be subject to any enforcement action or other sanction for failing to comply with the requirements of the draft rule.
(2) An agency conducting a pilot rule project authorized under subsection (1) of this section may waive one or more provisions of agency rules otherwise applicable to participants in such a pilot project if the agency first determines that such a waiver is in the public interest and necessary to conduct the project. Such a waiver may be only for a stated period of time, not to exceed the duration of the project.
(3) The findings of the pilot project should be widely shared and, where appropriate, adopted as amendments to the rule.
(4) If an agency conducts a pilot rule project in lieu of meeting the requirements of the regulatory fairness act, chapter 19.85 RCW, the agency shall ensure the following conditions are met:
(a) If over ten small businesses are affected, there shall be at least ten small businesses in the test group and at least one-half of the volunteers participating in the pilot test group shall be small businesses.
(b)(i) If there are at least one hundred businesses affected, the participation by small businesses in the test group shall be as follows:
(A) Not less than twenty percent of the small businesses must employ twenty-six to fifty employees;
(B) Not less than twenty percent of the small businesses must employ eleven to twenty-six employees; and
(C) Not less than twenty percent of the small businesses must employ zero to ten employees.
(ii) If there do not exist a sufficient number of small businesses in each size category set forth in (b)(i) of this subsection willing to participate in the pilot project to meet the minimum requirements of that subsection, then the agency must comply with this section to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) The agency may not terminate the pilot project before completion.
(d) Before filing the notice of proposed rule making pursuant to RCW 34.05.320, the agency must prepare a report of the pilot rule project that includes:
(i) A description of the difficulties small businesses had in complying with the pilot rule;
(ii) A list of the recommended revisions to the rule to make compliance with the rule easier or to reduce the cost of compliance with the rule by the small businesses participating in the pilot rule project;
(iii) A written statement explaining the options it considered to resolve each of the difficulties described and a statement explaining its reasons for not including a recommendation by the pilot test group to revise the rule; and
(iv) If the agency was unable to meet the requirements set forth in (b)(i) of this subsection, a written explanation of why it was unable to do so and the steps the agency took to include small businesses in the pilot project.
[ 1995 c 403 § 303; 1993 c 202 § 4.]
NOTES:
Application -- 1995 c 403 §§ 201, 301-305, 401-405, and 801: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Finding -- Intent -- 1993 c 202: See note following RCW 34.05.310.

34.05.314
Rules development agenda.
Each state agency shall prepare a semiannual agenda for rules under development. The agency shall file the agenda with the code reviser for publication in the state register not later than January 31st and July 31st of each year. Not later than three days after its publication in the state register, the agency shall send a copy of the agenda to each person who has requested receipt of a copy of the agenda. The agency shall also submit the agenda to the director of financial management, the rules review committee, and any other state agency that may reasonably be expected to have an interest in the subject of rules that will be developed.
[ 1997 c 409 § 206.]
NOTES:
Part headings -- Severability -- 1997 c 409: See notes following RCW 43.22.051.

34.05.315
Rule-making docket.
(1) Each agency shall maintain a current public rule-making docket. The rule-making docket shall contain the information specified in subsection (3) of this section.
(2) The rule-making docket shall contain a listing of each pending rule-making proceeding. A rule-making proceeding is pending from the time it is commenced by publication of a notice of proposed rule adoption under RCW 34.05.320 until the proposed rule is withdrawn under RCW 34.05.335 or is adopted by the agency.
(3) For each rule-making proceeding, the docket shall indicate all of the following:
(a) The name and address of agency personnel responsible for the proposed rule;
(b) The subject of the proposed rule;
(c) A citation to all notices relating to the proceeding that have been published in the state register under RCW 34.05.320;
(d) The place where written submissions about the proposed rule may be inspected;
(e) The time during which written submissions will be accepted;
(f) The current timetable established for the agency proceeding, including the time and place of any rule-making hearing, the date of the rule's adoption, filing, publication, and its effective date.
[ 1989 c 175 § 6; 1988 c 288 § 302.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

34.05.320
Notice of proposed rule -- Contents -- Distribution by agency -- Institutions of higher education.
(1) At least twenty days before the rule-making hearing at which the agency receives public comment regarding adoption of a rule, the agency shall cause notice of the hearing to be published in the state register. The publication constitutes the proposal of a rule. The notice shall include all of the following:
(a) A title, a description of the rule's purpose, and any other information which may be of assistance in identifying the rule or its purpose;
(b) Citations of the statutory authority for adopting the rule and the specific statute the rule is intended to implement;
(c) A short explanation of the rule, its purpose, and anticipated effects, including in the case of a proposal that would modify existing rules, a short description of the changes the proposal would make, and a statement of the reasons supporting the proposed action;
(d) The agency personnel, with their office location and telephone number, who are responsible for the drafting, implementation, and enforcement of the rule;
(e) The name of the person or organization, whether private, public, or governmental, proposing the rule;
(f) Agency comments or recommendations, if any, regarding statutory language, implementation, enforcement, and fiscal matters pertaining to the rule;
(g) Whether the rule is necessary as the result of federal law or federal or state court action, and if so, a citation to such law or court decision;
(h) When, where, and how persons may present their views on the proposed rule;
(i) The date on which the agency intends to adopt the rule;
(j) A copy of the small business economic impact statement prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW, or a copy of the school district fiscal impact statement under RCW 28A.305.135 in the case of the state board of education, or an explanation for why the agency did not prepare the statement;
(k) A statement indicating whether RCW 34.05.328 applies to the rule adoption; and
(l) If RCW 34.05.328 does apply, a statement indicating that a copy of the preliminary cost-benefit analysis described in RCW 34.05.328(1)(c) is available.
(2)(a) Upon filing notice of the proposed rule with the code reviser, the adopting agency shall have copies of the notice on file and available for public inspection. Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, the agency shall forward three copies of the notice to the rules review committee.
(b) A pilot of at least ten agencies, including the departments of labor and industries, fish and wildlife, revenue, ecology, retirement systems, and health, shall file the copies required under this subsection, as well as under RCW 34.05.350 and 34.05.353, with the rules review committee electronically for a period of four years from June 10, 2004. The office of regulatory assistance shall negotiate the details of the pilot among the agencies, the legislature, and the code reviser.
(3) No later than three days after its publication in the state register, the agency shall cause either a copy of the notice of proposed rule adoption, or a summary of the information contained on the notice, to be mailed to each person, city, and county that has made a request to the agency for a mailed copy of such notices. An agency may charge for the actual cost of providing a requesting party mailed copies of these notices.
(4) In addition to the notice required by subsections (1) and (2) of this section, an institution of higher education shall cause the notice to be published in the campus or standard newspaper of the institution at least seven days before the rule-making hearing.
[ 2012 c 210 § 2; 2004 c 31 § 2; 2003 c 165 § 1; 1995 c 403 § 302; 1994 c 249 § 14; 1992 c 197 § 8; 1989 c 175 § 7; 1988 c 288 § 303; 1982 c 221 § 2; 1982 c 6 § 7; 1980 c 186 § 10; 1977 ex.s. c 84 § 1. Formerly RCW 34.04.045.]
NOTES:
Application -- 1995 c 403 §§ 201, 301-305, 401-405, and 801: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Severability -- Application -- 1994 c 249: See notes following RCW 34.05.310.
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
Severability -- 1980 c 186: "If any provision of this 1980 act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1980 c 186 § 29.]
Expedited adoption: RCW 34.05.353.
Small business economic impact statement -- Purpose -- Contents: RCW 19.85.040.

34.05.322
Scope of rule-making authority.
For rules implementing statutes enacted after July 23, 1995, an agency may not rely solely on the section of law stating a statute's intent or purpose, or on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for its statutory authority to adopt the rule. An agency may use the statement of intent or purpose or the agency enabling provisions to interpret ambiguities in a statute's other provisions.
[ 1995 c 403 § 118.]
NOTES:
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.

34.05.325
Public participation -- Concise explanatory statement.
(1) The agency shall make a good faith effort to insure that the information on the proposed rule published pursuant to RCW 34.05.320 accurately reflects the rule to be presented and considered at the oral hearing on the rule. Written comment about a proposed rule, including supporting data, shall be accepted by an agency if received no later than the time and date specified in the notice, or such later time and date established at the rule-making hearing.
(2) The agency shall provide an opportunity for oral comment to be received by the agency in a rule-making hearing.
(3) If the agency possesses equipment capable of receiving telefacsimile transmissions or recorded telephonic communications, the agency may provide in its notice of hearing filed under RCW 34.05.320 that interested parties may comment on proposed rules by these means. If the agency chooses to receive comments by these means, the notice of hearing shall provide instructions for making such comments, including, but not limited to, appropriate telephone numbers to be used; the date and time by which comments must be received; required methods to verify the receipt and authenticity of the comments; and any limitations on the number of pages for telefacsimile transmission comments and on the minutes of tape recorded comments. The agency shall accept comments received by these means for inclusion in the official record if the comments are made in accordance with the agency's instructions.
(4) The agency head, a member of the agency head, or a presiding officer designated by the agency head shall preside at the rule-making hearing. Rule-making hearings shall be open to the public. The agency shall cause a record to be made of the hearing by stenographic, mechanical, or electronic means. Regardless of whether the agency head has delegated rule-making authority, the presiding official shall prepare a memorandum for consideration by the agency head, summarizing the contents of the presentations made at the rule-making hearing, unless the agency head presided or was present at substantially all of the hearings. The summarizing memorandum is a public document and shall be made available to any person in accordance with chapter 42.56 RCW.
(5) Rule-making hearings are legislative in character and shall be reasonably conducted by the presiding official to afford interested persons the opportunity to present comment individually. All comments by all persons shall be made in the presence and hearing of other attendees. Written or electronic submissions may be accepted and included in the record. Rule-making hearings may be continued to a later time and place established on the record without publication of further notice under RCW 34.05.320.
(6)(a) Before it files an adopted rule with the code reviser, an agency shall prepare a concise explanatory statement of the rule:
(i) Identifying the agency's reasons for adopting the rule;
(ii) Describing differences between the text of the proposed rule as published in the register and the text of the rule as adopted, other than editing changes, stating the reasons for differences; and
(iii) Summarizing all comments received regarding the proposed rule, and responding to the comments by category or subject matter, indicating how the final rule reflects agency consideration of the comments, or why it fails to do so.
(b) The agency shall provide the concise explanatory statement to any person upon request or from whom the agency received comment.
[ 2009 c 336 § 1; 2005 c 274 § 262; 1998 c 125 § 1; 1995 c 403 § 304; 1994 c 249 § 7; 1992 c 57 § 1; 1988 c 288 § 304.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law -- Effective date -- 2005 c 274: See RCW 42.56.901 and 42.56.902.
Application -- 1995 c 403 §§ 201, 301-305, 401-405, and 801: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Severability -- Application -- 1994 c 249: See notes following RCW 34.05.310.

34.05.328
Significant legislative rules, other selected rules.
(1) Before adopting a rule described in subsection (5) of this section, an agency must:
(a) Clearly state in detail the general goals and specific objectives of the statute that the rule implements;
(b) Determine that the rule is needed to achieve the general goals and specific objectives stated under (a) of this subsection, and analyze alternatives to rule making and the consequences of not adopting the rule;
(c) Provide notification in the notice of proposed rule making under RCW 34.05.320 that a preliminary cost-benefit analysis is available. The preliminary cost-benefit analysis must fulfill the requirements of the cost-benefit analysis under (d) of this subsection. If the agency files a supplemental notice under RCW 34.05.340, the supplemental notice must include notification that a revised preliminary cost-benefit analysis is available. A final cost-benefit analysis must be available when the rule is adopted under RCW 34.05.360;
(d) Determine that the probable benefits of the rule are greater than its probable costs, taking into account both the qualitative and quantitative benefits and costs and the specific directives of the statute being implemented;
(e) Determine, after considering alternative versions of the rule and the analysis required under (b), (c), and (d) of this subsection, that the rule being adopted is the least burdensome alternative for those required to comply with it that will achieve the general goals and specific objectives stated under (a) of this subsection;
(f) Determine that the rule does not require those to whom it applies to take an action that violates requirements of another federal or state law;
(g) Determine that the rule does not impose more stringent performance requirements on private entities than on public entities unless required to do so by federal or state law;
(h) Determine if the rule differs from any federal regulation or statute applicable to the same activity or subject matter and, if so, determine that the difference is justified by the following:
(i) A state statute that explicitly allows the agency to differ from federal standards; or
(ii) Substantial evidence that the difference is necessary to achieve the general goals and specific objectives stated under (a) of this subsection; and
(i) Coordinate the rule, to the maximum extent practicable, with other federal, state, and local laws applicable to the same activity or subject matter.
(2) In making its determinations pursuant to subsection (1)(b) through (h) of this section, the agency must place in the rule-making file documentation of sufficient quantity and quality so as to persuade a reasonable person that the determinations are justified.
(3) Before adopting rules described in subsection (5) of this section, an agency must place in the rule-making file a rule implementation plan for rules filed under each adopting order. The plan must describe how the agency intends to:
(a) Implement and enforce the rule, including a description of the resources the agency intends to use;
(b) Inform and educate affected persons about the rule;
(c) Promote and assist voluntary compliance; and
(d) Evaluate whether the rule achieves the purpose for which it was adopted, including, to the maximum extent practicable, the use of interim milestones to assess progress and the use of objectively measurable outcomes.
(4) After adopting a rule described in subsection (5) of this section regulating the same activity or subject matter as another provision of federal or state law, an agency must do all of the following:
(a) Coordinate implementation and enforcement of the rule with the other federal and state entities regulating the same activity or subject matter by making every effort to do one or more of the following:
(i) Deferring to the other entity;
(ii) Designating a lead agency; or
(iii) Entering into an agreement with the other entities specifying how the agency and entities will coordinate implementation and enforcement.
If the agency is unable to comply with this subsection (4)(a), the agency must report to the legislature pursuant to (b) of this subsection;
(b) Report to the joint administrative rules review committee:
(i) The existence of any overlap or duplication of other federal or state laws, any differences from federal law, and any known overlap, duplication, or conflict with local laws; and
(ii) Make recommendations for any legislation that may be necessary to eliminate or mitigate any adverse effects of such overlap, duplication, or difference.
(5)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, this section applies to:
(i) Significant legislative rules of the departments of ecology, labor and industries, health, revenue, social and health services, and natural resources, the employment security department, the forest practices board, the office of the insurance commissioner, and to the legislative rules of the department of fish and wildlife implementing chapter 77.55 RCW; and
(ii) Any rule of any agency, if this section is voluntarily made applicable to the rule by the agency, or is made applicable to the rule by a majority vote of the joint administrative rules review committee within forty-five days of receiving the notice of proposed rule making under RCW 34.05.320.
(b) This section does not apply to:
(i) Emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350;
(ii) Rules relating only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a nongovernment party;
(iii) Rules adopting or incorporating by reference without material change federal statutes or regulations, Washington state statutes, rules of other Washington state agencies, shoreline master programs other than those programs governing shorelines of statewide significance, or, as referenced by Washington state law, national consensus codes that generally establish industry standards, if the material adopted or incorporated regulates the same subject matter and conduct as the adopting or incorporating rule;
(iv) Rules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect;
(v) Rules the content of which is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute;
(vi) Rules that set or adjust fees under the authority of RCW 19.02.075 or that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards, including fees set or adjusted under the authority of RCW 19.80.045;
(vii) Rules of the department of social and health services relating only to client medical or financial eligibility and rules concerning liability for care of dependents; or
(viii) Rules of the department of revenue that adopt a uniform expiration date for reseller permits as authorized in RCW 82.32.780 and 82.32.783.
(c) For purposes of this subsection:
(i) A "procedural rule" is a rule that adopts, amends, or repeals (A) any procedure, practice, or requirement relating to any agency hearings; (B) any filing or related process requirement for making application to an agency for a license or permit; or (C) any policy statement pertaining to the consistent internal operations of an agency.
(ii) An "interpretive rule" is a rule, the violation of which does not subject a person to a penalty or sanction, that sets forth the agency's interpretation of statutory provisions it administers.
(iii) A "significant legislative rule" is a rule other than a procedural or interpretive rule that (A) adopts substantive provisions of law pursuant to delegated legislative authority, the violation of which subjects a violator of such rule to a penalty or sanction; (B) establishes, alters, or revokes any qualification or standard for the issuance, suspension, or revocation of a license or permit; or (C) adopts a new, or makes significant amendments to, a policy or regulatory program.
(d) In the notice of proposed rule making under RCW 34.05.320, an agency must state whether this section applies to the proposed rule pursuant to (a)(i) of this subsection, or if the agency will apply this section voluntarily.
(6) By January 31, 1996, and by January 31st of each even-numbered year thereafter, the office of regulatory assistance, after consulting with state agencies, counties, and cities, and business, labor, and environmental organizations, must report to the governor and the legislature regarding the effects of this section on the regulatory system in this state. The report must document:
(a) The rules proposed to which this section applied and to the extent possible, how compliance with this section affected the substance of the rule, if any, that the agency ultimately adopted;
(b) The costs incurred by state agencies in complying with this section;
(c) Any legal action maintained based upon the alleged failure of any agency to comply with this section, the costs to the state of such action, and the result;
(d) The extent to which this section has adversely affected the capacity of agencies to fulfill their legislatively prescribed mission;
(e) The extent to which this section has improved the acceptability of state rules to those regulated; and
(f) Any other information considered by the office of financial management to be useful in evaluating the effect of this section.
[ 2011 c 298 § 21; 2011 c 149 § 1; 2010 c 112 § 15. Prior: 2003 c 165 § 2; 2003 c 39 § 13; 1997 c 430 § 1; 1995 c 403 § 201.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2011 c 149 § 1 and by 2011 c 298 § 21, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Purpose -- Intent -- Agency transfer -- Contracting -- Effective date -- 2011 c 289: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.
Effective date -- 2011 c 149: See note following RCW 43.42.010.
Effective date -- 2010 c 112 §§ 2, 3, 11, 12, and 15: See note following RCW 82.32.780.
Retroactive application -- 2010 c 112: See note following RCW 82.32.780.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) One of its fundamental responsibilities, to the benefit of all the citizens of the state, is the protection of public health and safety, including health and safety in the workplace, and the preservation of the extraordinary natural environment with which Washington is endowed;
(b) Essential to this mission is the delegation of authority to state agencies to implement the policies established by the legislature; and that the adoption of administrative rules by these agencies helps assure that these policies are clearly understood, fairly applied, and uniformly enforced;
(c) Despite its importance, Washington's regulatory system must not impose excessive, unreasonable, or unnecessary obligations; to do so serves only to discredit government, makes enforcement of essential regulations more difficult, and detrimentally affects the economy of the state and the well-being of our citizens.
(2) The legislature therefore enacts chapter 403, Laws of 1995, to be known as the regulatory reform act of 1995, to ensure that the citizens and environment of this state receive the highest level of protection, in an effective and efficient manner, without stifling legitimate activities and responsible economic growth. To that end, it is the intent of the legislature, in the adoption of chapter 403, Laws of 1995, that:
(a) Unless otherwise authorized, substantial policy decisions affecting the public be made by those directly accountable to the public, namely the legislature, and that state agencies not use their administrative authority to create or amend regulatory programs;
(b) When an agency is authorized to adopt rules imposing obligations on the public, that it do so responsibly: The rules it adopts should be justified and reasonable, with the agency having determined, based on common sense criteria established by the legislature, that the obligations imposed are truly in the public interest;
(c) Governments at all levels better coordinate their regulatory efforts to avoid confusing and frustrating the public with overlapping or contradictory requirements;
(d) The public respect the process whereby administrative rules are adopted, whether or not they agree with the result: Members of the public affected by administrative rules must have the opportunity for a meaningful role in their development; the bases for agency action must be legitimate and clearly articulated;
(e) Members of the public have adequate opportunity to challenge administrative rules with which they have legitimate concerns through meaningful review of the rule by the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. While it is the intent of the legislature that upon judicial review of a rule, a court should not substitute its judgment for that of an administrative agency, the court should determine whether the agency decision making was rigorous and deliberative; whether the agency reached its result through a process of reason; and whether the agency took a hard look at the rule before its adoption;
(f) In order to achieve greater compliance with administrative rules at less cost, that a cooperative partnership exist between agencies and regulated parties that emphasizes education and assistance before the imposition of penalties; and
(g) Workplace safety and health in this state not be diminished, whether provided by constitution, by statute, or by rule." [ 1995 c 403 § 1.]
Application -- 1995 c 403 §§ 201, 301-305, 401-405, and 801: "Sections 201, 301 through 305, 401 through 405, and 801 of this act shall apply to all rule making for which a statement of proposed rule making under RCW 34.05.320 is filed after July 23, 1995." [ 1995 c 403 § 1102.]
Expedited adoption: RCW 34.05.353.

34.05.330
Petition for adoption, amendment, repeal -- Agency action -- Appeal.
(1) Any person may petition an agency requesting the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule. The office of financial management shall prescribe by rule the format for such petitions and the procedure for their submission, consideration, and disposition and provide a standard form that may be used to petition any agency. Within sixty days after submission of a petition, the agency shall either (a) deny the petition in writing, stating (i) its reasons for the denial, specifically addressing the concerns raised by the petitioner, and, where appropriate, (ii) the alternative means by which it will address the concerns raised by the petitioner, or (b) initiate rule-making proceedings in accordance with RCW 34.05.320.
(2) If an agency denies a petition to repeal or amend a rule submitted under subsection (1) of this section, and the petition alleges that the rule is not within the intent of the legislature or was not adopted in accordance with all applicable provisions of law, the person may petition for review of the rule by the joint administrative rules review committee under RCW 34.05.655.
(3) If an agency denies a petition to repeal or amend a rule submitted under subsection (1) of this section, the petitioner, within thirty days of the denial, may appeal the denial to the governor. The governor shall immediately file notice of the appeal with the code reviser for publication in the Washington state register. Within forty-five days after receiving the appeal, the governor shall either (a) deny the petition in writing, stating (i) his or her reasons for the denial, specifically addressing the concerns raised by the petitioner, and, (ii) where appropriate, the alternative means by which he or she will address the concerns raised by the petitioner; (b) for agencies listed in RCW 43.17.010, direct the agency to initiate rule-making proceedings in accordance with this chapter; or (c) for agencies not listed in RCW 43.17.010, recommend that the agency initiate rule-making proceedings in accordance with this chapter. The governor's response to the appeal shall be published in the Washington state register and copies shall be submitted to the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate.
(4) In petitioning for repeal or amendment of a rule under this section, a person is encouraged to address, among other concerns:
(a) Whether the rule is authorized;
(b) Whether the rule is needed;
(c) Whether the rule conflicts with or duplicates other federal, state, or local laws;
(d) Whether alternatives to the rule exist that will serve the same purpose at less cost;
(e) Whether the rule applies differently to public and private entities;
(f) Whether the rule serves the purposes for which it was adopted;
(g) Whether the costs imposed by the rule are unreasonable;
(h) Whether the rule is clearly and simply stated;
(i) Whether the rule is different than a federal law applicable to the same activity or subject matter without adequate justification; and
(j) Whether the rule was adopted according to all applicable provisions of law.
(5) The *department of community, trade, and economic development and the office of financial management shall coordinate efforts among agencies to inform the public about the existence of this rules review process.
(6) The office of financial management shall initiate the rule making required by subsection (1) of this section by September 1, 1995.
[ 1998 c 280 § 5; 1996 c 318 § 1; 1995 c 403 § 703; 1988 c 288 § 305; 1967 c 237 § 5; 1959 c 234 § 6. Formerly RCW 34.04.060.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.

34.05.335
Withdrawal of proposal -- Time and manner of adoption.
(1) A proposed rule may be withdrawn by the proposing agency at any time before adoption. A withdrawn rule may not be adopted unless it is again proposed in accordance with RCW 34.05.320.
(2) Before adopting a rule, an agency shall consider the written and oral submissions, or any memorandum summarizing oral submissions.
(3) Rules not adopted and filed with the code reviser within one hundred eighty days after publication of the text as last proposed in the register shall be regarded as withdrawn. An agency may not thereafter adopt the proposed rule without refiling it in accordance with RCW 34.05.320. The code reviser shall give notice of the withdrawal in the register.
(4) An agency may not adopt a rule before the time established in the published notice, or such later time established on the record or by publication in the state register.
[ 1989 c 175 § 8; 1988 c 288 § 306; 1980 c 186 § 11. Formerly RCW 34.04.048.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
Severability -- 1980 c 186: See note following RCW 34.05.320.

34.05.340
Variance between proposed and final rule.
(1) Unless it complies with subsection (3) of this section, an agency may not adopt a rule that is substantially different from the rule proposed in the published notice of proposed rule adoption or a supplemental notice in the proceeding. If an agency contemplates making a substantial variance from a proposed rule described in a published notice, it may file a supplemental notice with the code reviser meeting the requirements of RCW 34.05.320 and reopen the proceedings for public comment on the proposed variance, or the agency may withdraw the proposed rule and commence a new rule-making proceeding to adopt a substantially different rule. If a new rule-making proceeding is commenced, relevant public comment received regarding the initial proposed rule shall be considered in the new proceeding.
(2) The following factors shall be considered in determining whether an adopted rule is substantially different from the proposed rule on which it is based:
(a) The extent to which a reasonable person affected by the adopted rule would have understood that the published proposed rule would affect his or her interests;
(b) The extent to which the subject of the adopted rule or the issues determined in it are substantially different from the subject or issues involved in the published proposed rule; and
(c) The extent to which the effects of the adopted rule differ from the effects of the published proposed rule.
(3) If the agency, without filing a supplemental notice under subsection (1) of this section, adopts a rule that varies in content from the proposed rule, the general subject matter of the adopted rule must remain the same as the proposed rule. The agency shall briefly describe any changes, other than editing changes, and the principal reasons for adopting the changes. The brief description shall be filed with the code reviser together with the order of adoption for publication in the state register. Within sixty days of publication of the adopted rule in the state register, any interested person may petition the agency to amend any portion of the adopted rule that is substantially different from the proposed rule. The petition shall briefly demonstrate how the adopted rule is substantially different from the proposed rule and shall contain the text of the petitioner's proposed amendment. For purposes of the petition, an adopted rule is substantially different if the issues determined in the adopted rule differ from the issues determined in the proposed rule or the anticipated effects of the adopted rule differ from those of the proposed rule. If the petition meets the requirements of this subsection and RCW 34.05.330, the agency shall initiate rule-making proceedings upon the proposed amendments within the time provided in RCW 34.05.330.
[ 1989 c 175 § 9; 1988 c 288 § 307.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

34.05.345
Failure to give twenty days notice of intended action -- Effect.
Except for emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350, when twenty days notice of intended action to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule has not been published in the state register, as required by RCW 34.05.320, the code reviser shall not publish such rule and such rule shall not be effective for any purpose.
[ 1988 c 288 § 308; 1967 c 237 § 4. Formerly RCW 34.04.027.]

34.05.350
Emergency rules and amendments.
(1) If an agency for good cause finds:
(a) That immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest;
(b) That state or federal law or federal rule or a federal deadline for state receipt of federal funds requires immediate adoption of a rule; or
(c) In order to implement the requirements or reductions in appropriations enacted in any budget for fiscal year 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013, which necessitates the need for the immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the fiscal needs or requirements of the agency,
the agency may dispense with those requirements and adopt, amend, or repeal the rule on an emergency basis. The agency's finding and a concise statement of the reasons for its finding shall be incorporated in the order for adoption of the emergency rule or amendment filed with the office of the code reviser under RCW 34.05.380 and with the rules review committee.
(2) An emergency rule adopted under this section takes effect upon filing with the code reviser, unless a later date is specified in the order of adoption, and may not remain in effect for longer than one hundred twenty days after filing. Identical or substantially similar emergency rules may not be adopted in sequence unless conditions have changed or the agency has filed notice of its intent to adopt the rule as a permanent rule, and is actively undertaking the appropriate procedures to adopt the rule as a permanent rule. This section does not relieve any agency from compliance with any law requiring that its permanent rules be approved by designated persons or bodies before they become effective.
(3) Within seven days after the rule is adopted, any person may petition the governor requesting the immediate repeal of a rule adopted on an emergency basis by any department listed in RCW 43.17.010. Within seven days after submission of the petition, the governor shall either deny the petition in writing, stating his or her reasons for the denial, or order the immediate repeal of the rule. In ruling on the petition, the governor shall consider only whether the conditions in subsection (1) of this section were met such that adoption of the rule on an emergency basis was necessary. If the governor orders the repeal of the emergency rule, any sanction imposed based on that rule is void. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit adoption of any rule as a permanent rule.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 2 § 1; 2009 c 559 § 1; 1994 c 249 § 3; 1989 c 175 § 10; 1988 c 288 § 309; 1981 c 324 § 4; 1977 ex.s. c 240 § 8; 1959 c 234 § 3. Formerly RCW 34.04.030.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 2011 1st sp.s. c 2: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 31, 2011]." [ 2011 1st sp.s. c 2 § 2.]
Effective date -- 2009 c 559: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 19, 2009]." [ 2009 c 559 § 2.]
Severability -- Application -- 1994 c 249: See notes following RCW 34.05.310.
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
Legislative affirmation -- Severability -- 1981 c 324: See notes following RCW 34.05.010.
Effective date -- 1977 ex.s. c 240: See RCW 34.08.905.

34.05.353
Expedited rule making.
(1) An agency may file notice for the expedited adoption of rules in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section for rules meeting any one of the following criteria:
(a) The proposed rules relate only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a person;
(b) The proposed rules adopt or incorporate by reference without material change federal statutes or regulations, Washington state statutes, rules of other Washington state agencies, shoreline master programs other than those programs governing shorelines of statewide significance, or, as referenced by Washington state law, national consensus codes that generally establish industry standards, if the material adopted or incorporated regulates the same subject matter and conduct as the adopting or incorporating rule;
(c) The proposed rules only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect;
(d) The content of the proposed rules is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute;
(e) The proposed rules have been the subject of negotiated rule making, pilot rule making, or some other process that involved substantial participation by interested parties before the development of the proposed rule; or
(f) The proposed rule is being amended after a review under RCW 34.05.328.
(2) An agency may file notice for the expedited repeal of rules under the procedures set forth in this section for rules meeting any one of the following criteria:
(a) The statute on which the rule is based has been repealed and has not been replaced by another statute providing statutory authority for the rule;
(b) The statute on which the rule is based has been declared unconstitutional by a court with jurisdiction, there is a final judgment, and no statute has been enacted to replace the unconstitutional statute;
(c) The rule is no longer necessary because of changed circumstances; or
(d) Other rules of the agency or of another agency govern the same activity as the rule, making the rule redundant.
(3) The expedited rule-making process must follow the requirements for rule making set forth in RCW 34.05.320, except that the agency is not required to prepare a small business economic impact statement under RCW 19.85.025, a statement indicating whether the rule constitutes a significant legislative rule under RCW 34.05.328(5)(c)(iii), or a significant legislative rule analysis under RCW 34.05.328. An agency is not required to prepare statements of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310 or conduct a hearing for the expedited rule making. The notice for the expedited rule making must contain a statement in at least ten-point type, that is substantially in the following form:
NOTICE
THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO (INSERT NAME AND ADDRESS) AND RECEIVED BY (INSERT DATE).
(4) The agency shall send either a copy of the notice of the proposed expedited rule making, or a summary of the information on the notice, to any person who has requested notification of proposals for expedited rule making or of regular agency rule making, as well as the joint administrative rules review committee, within three days after its publication in the Washington State Register. An agency may charge for the actual cost of providing a requesting party mailed copies of these notices. The notice of the proposed expedited rule making must be preceded by a statement substantially in the form provided in subsection (3) of this section. The notice must also include an explanation of the reasons the agency believes the expedited rule-making process is appropriate.
(5) The code reviser shall publish the text of all rules proposed for expedited adoption, and the citation and caption of all rules proposed for expedited repeal, along with the notice required in this section in a separate section of the Washington State Register. Once the notice of expedited rule making has been published in the Washington State Register, the only changes that an agency may make in the noticed materials before their final adoption or repeal are to correct typographical errors.
(6) Any person may file a written objection to the expedited rule making. The objection must be filed with the agency rules coordinator within forty-five days after the notice of the proposed expedited rule making has been published in the Washington State Register. A person who has filed a written objection to the expedited rule making may withdraw the objection.
(7) If no written objections to the expedited rule making are filed with the agency within forty-five days after the notice of proposed expedited rule making is published, or if all objections that have been filed are withdrawn by the persons filing the objections, the agency may enter an order adopting or repealing the rule without further notice or a public hearing. The order must be published in the manner required by this chapter for any other agency order adopting, amending, or repealing a rule.
(8) If a written notice of objection to the expedited rule making is timely filed with the agency and is not withdrawn, the notice of proposed expedited rule making published under this section is considered a statement of inquiry for the purposes of RCW 34.05.310, and the agency may initiate further rule-making proceedings in accordance with this chapter.
(9) As used in this section, "expedited rule making" includes both the expedited adoption of rules and the expedited repeal of rules.
[ 2004 c 31 § 4; 2001 c 25 § 2.]

34.05.360
Order adopting rule, contents.
The order of adoption by which each rule is adopted by an agency shall contain all of the following:
(1) The date the agency adopted the rule;
(2) A concise statement of the purpose of the rule;
(3) A reference to all rules repealed, amended, or suspended by the rule;
(4) A reference to the specific statutory or other authority authorizing adoption of the rule;
(5) Any findings required by any provision of law as a precondition to adoption or effectiveness of the rule; and
(6) The effective date of the rule if other than that specified in RCW 34.05.380(2).
[ 1988 c 288 § 311.]

34.05.362
Postadoption notice.
Either before or within two hundred days after the effective date of an adopted rule that imposes additional requirements on businesses the violation of which subjects the business to a penalty, assessment, or administrative sanction, an agency identified in RCW 34.05.220(6) shall notify businesses affected by the rule of the requirements of the rule and how to obtain technical assistance to comply. Notification must be provided by email, if possible, to every person identified to receive the postadoption notice under RCW 34.05.220(6).
The notification must announce the rule change, briefly summarize the rule change, refer to appeal procedures under RCW 34.05.330, and include a contact for more information. Failure to notify a specific business under this section does not invalidate a rule or waive the requirement to comply with the rule. The requirements of this section do not apply to emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350.
[ 2003 c 246 § 3.]
NOTES:
Finding -- 2003 c 246: "The legislature finds that many businesses in the state are frustrated by the complexity of the regulatory system. The Washington Administrative Code containing agency rules now fills twelve volumes, and appears to be growing each year. While the vast majority of businesses make a good faith attempt to comply with applicable laws and rules, many find it extremely difficult to keep up with agencies' issuance of new rules and requirements. Therefore, state agencies are directed to make a good faith attempt to notify businesses affected by rule changes that may subject noncomplying businesses to penalties." [ 2003 c 246 § 1.]

34.05.365
Incorporation by reference.
An agency may incorporate by reference and without publishing the incorporated matter in full, all or any part of a code, standard, rule, or regulation that has been adopted by an agency of the United States, of this state, or of another state, by a political subdivision of this state, or by a generally recognized organization or association if incorporation of the full text in the agency rules would be unduly cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise inexpedient. The reference in agency rules shall fully identify the incorporated matter. An agency may incorporate by reference such matter in its rules only if the agency, organization, or association originally issuing that matter makes copies readily available to the public. The incorporating agency shall have, maintain, and make available for public inspection a copy of the incorporated matter. The rule must state where copies of the incorporated matter are available.
[ 1988 c 288 § 312.]

34.05.370
Rule-making file.
(1) Each agency shall maintain an official rule-making file for each rule that it (a) proposes by publication in the state register, or (b) adopts. The file and materials incorporated by reference shall be available for public inspection.
(2) The agency rule-making file shall contain all of the following:
(a) A list of citations to all notices in the state register with respect to the rule or the proceeding upon which the rule is based;
(b) Copies of any portions of the agency's public rule-making docket containing entries relating to the rule or the proceeding on which the rule is based;
(c) All written petitions, requests, submissions, and comments received by the agency and all other written material regarded by the agency as important to adoption of the rule or the proceeding on which the rule is based;
(d) Any official transcript of oral presentations made in the proceeding on which the rule is based or, if not transcribed, any tape recording or stenographic record of them, and any memorandum prepared by a presiding official summarizing the contents of those presentations;
(e) All petitions for exceptions to, amendment of, or repeal or suspension of, the rule;
(f) Citations to data, factual information, studies, or reports on which the agency relies in the adoption of the rule, indicating where such data, factual information, studies, or reports are available for review by the public, but this subsection (2)(f) does not require the agency to include in the rule-making file any data, factual information, studies, or reports gathered pursuant to chapter 19.85 RCW or RCW 34.05.328 that can be identified to a particular business;
(g) The concise explanatory statement required by RCW 34.05.325(6); and
(h) Any other material placed in the file by the agency.
(3) Internal agency documents are exempt from inclusion in the rule-making file under subsection (2) of this section to the extent they constitute preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memoranda in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended, except that a specific document is not exempt from inclusion when it is publicly cited by an agency in connection with its decision.
(4) Upon judicial review, the file required by this section constitutes the official agency rule-making file with respect to that rule. Unless otherwise required by another provision of law, the official agency rule-making file need not be the exclusive basis for agency action on that rule.
[ 1998 c 280 § 7; 1996 c 102 § 2; 1995 c 403 § 801; 1994 c 249 § 2; 1988 c 288 § 313.]
NOTES:
Application -- 1995 c 403 §§ 201, 301-305, 401-405, and 801: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Severability -- Application -- 1994 c 249: See notes following RCW 34.05.310.

34.05.375
Substantial compliance with procedures.
No rule proposed after July 1, 1989, is valid unless it is adopted in substantial compliance with RCW 34.05.310 through 34.05.395. Inadvertent failure to mail notice of a proposed rule adoption to any person as required by RCW 34.05.320(3) does not invalidate a rule. No action based upon this section may be maintained to contest the validity of any rule unless it is commenced within two years after the effective date of the rule.
[ 1988 c 288 § 314.]

34.05.380
Filing with code reviser -- Written record -- Effective dates.
(1) Each agency shall file in the office of the code reviser a certified copy of all rules it adopts, except for rules contained in tariffs filed with or published by the Washington utilities and transportation commission. The code reviser shall place upon each rule a notation of the time and date of filing and shall keep a permanent written record of filed rules open to public inspection. In filing a rule, each agency shall use the standard form prescribed for this purpose by the code reviser.
(2) Emergency rules adopted under RCW 34.05.350 become effective upon filing unless a later date is specified in the order of adoption. All other rules become effective upon the expiration of thirty days after the date of filing, unless a later date is required by statute or specified in the order of adoption.
(3) A rule may become effective immediately upon its filing with the code reviser or on any subsequent date earlier than that established by subsection (2) of this section, if the agency establishes that effective date in the adopting order and finds that:
(a) Such action is required by the state or federal Constitution, a statute, or court order;
(b) The rule only delays the effective date of another rule that is not yet effective; or
(c) The earlier effective date is necessary because of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare.
The finding and a brief statement of the reasons therefor required by this subsection shall be made a part of the order adopting the rule.
(4) With respect to a rule made effective pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, each agency shall make reasonable efforts to make the effective date known to persons who may be affected by it.
[ 2007 c 456 § 5; 1989 c 175 § 11; 1988 c 288 § 315; 1987 c 505 § 17; 1980 c 87 § 11; 1959 c 234 § 4. Formerly RCW 34.04.040.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

34.05.385
Rules for rule making.
The code reviser may adopt rules for carrying out the provisions of this chapter relating to the filing and publication of rules and notices of intention to adopt rules, including the form and style to be employed by the various agencies in the drafting of such rules and notices.
[ 1988 c 288 § 316; 1967 c 237 § 13. Formerly RCW 34.04.055.]

34.05.390
Style, format, and numbering -- Agency compliance.
After the rules of an agency have been published by the code reviser:
(1) All agency orders amending or rescinding such rules, or creating new rules, shall be formulated in accordance with the style, format, and numbering system of the Washington Administrative Code;
(2) Any subsequent printing or reprinting of such rules shall be printed in the style and format (including the numbering system) of such code; and
(3) Amendments of previously adopted rules shall incorporate any editorial corrections made by the code reviser.
[ 1988 c 288 § 317; 1967 c 237 § 14. Formerly RCW 34.04.057.]

34.05.395
Format and style of amendatory and new sections -- Failure to comply.
(1) Rules proposed or adopted by an agency pursuant to this chapter that amend existing sections of the administrative code shall have the words which are amendatory to such existing sections underlined. Any matter to be deleted from an existing section shall be indicated by setting such matter forth in full, enclosed by double parentheses, and such deleted matter shall be lined out with hyphens. A new section shall be designated "NEW SECTION" in upper case type and such designation shall be underlined, but the complete text of the section shall not be underlined. No rule may be forwarded by any agency to the code reviser, nor may the code reviser accept for filing any rule unless the format of such rule is in compliance with the provisions of this section.
(2) Once the rule has been formally adopted by the agency the code reviser need not, except with regard to the register published pursuant to RCW 34.05.210(3), include the items enumerated in subsection (1) of this section in the official code.
(3) Any addition to or deletion from an existing code section not filed by the agency in the style prescribed by subsection (1) of this section shall in all respects be ineffectual, and shall not be shown in subsequent publications or codifications of that section unless the ineffectual portion of the rule is clearly distinguished and an explanatory note is appended thereto by the code reviser in accordance with RCW 34.05.210.
[ 1988 c 288 § 318; 1980 c 186 § 14; 1977 c 19 § 1. Formerly RCW 34.04.058.]
NOTES:
Severability -- 1980 c 186: See note following RCW 34.05.320.

34.05.410
Application of Part IV.
(1) Adjudicative proceedings are governed by RCW 34.05.413 through 34.05.476, except as otherwise provided:
(a) By a rule that adopts the procedures for brief adjudicative proceedings in accordance with the standards provided in RCW 34.05.482 for those proceedings;
(b) By RCW 34.05.479 pertaining to emergency adjudicative proceedings; or
(c) By RCW 34.05.240 pertaining to declaratory proceedings.
(2) RCW 34.05.410 through 34.05.494 do not apply to rule-making proceedings unless another statute expressly so requires.
[ 1988 c 288 § 401.]

34.05.413
Commencement -- When required.
(1) Within the scope of its authority, an agency may commence an adjudicative proceeding at any time with respect to a matter within the agency's jurisdiction.
(2) When required by law or constitutional right, and upon the timely application of any person, an agency shall commence an adjudicative proceeding.
(3) An agency may provide forms for and, by rule, may provide procedures for filing an application for an adjudicative proceeding. An agency may require by rule that an application be in writing and that it be filed at a specific address, in a specified manner, and within specified time limits. The agency shall allow at least twenty days to apply for an adjudicative proceeding from the time notice is given of the opportunity to file such an application.
(4) If an agency is required to hold an adjudicative proceeding, an application for an agency to enter an order includes an application for the agency to conduct appropriate adjudicative proceedings, whether or not the applicant expressly requests those proceedings.
(5) An adjudicative proceeding commences when the agency or a presiding officer notifies a party that a prehearing conference, hearing, or other stage of an adjudicative proceeding will be conducted.
[ 1989 c 175 § 12; 1988 c 288 § 402.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

34.05.416
Decision not to conduct an adjudication.
If an agency decides not to conduct an adjudicative proceeding in response to an application, the agency shall furnish the applicant a copy of its decision in writing, with a brief statement of the agency's reasons and of any administrative review available to the applicant.
[ 1988 c 288 § 403.]

34.05.419
Agency action on applications for adjudication.
After receipt of an application for an adjudicative proceeding, other than a declaratory order, an agency shall proceed as follows:
(1) Except in situations governed by subsection (2) or (3) of this section, within ninety days after receipt of the application or of the response to a timely request made by the agency under subsection (2) of this section, the agency shall do one of the following:
(a) Approve or deny the application, in whole or in part, on the basis of brief or emergency adjudicative proceedings, if those proceedings are available under this chapter for disposition of the matter;
(b) Commence an adjudicative proceeding in accordance with this chapter; or
(c) Dispose of the application in accordance with RCW 34.05.416;
(2) Within thirty days after receipt of the application, the agency shall examine the application, notify the applicant of any obvious errors or omissions, request any additional information the agency wishes to obtain and is permitted by law to require, and notify the applicant of the name, mailing address, and telephone number of an office that may be contacted regarding the application;
(3) If the application seeks relief that is not available when the application is filed but may be available in the future, the agency may proceed to make a determination of eligibility within the time limits provided in subsection (1) of this section. If the agency determines that the applicant is eligible, the agency shall maintain the application on the agency's list of eligible applicants as provided by law and, upon request, shall notify the applicant of the status of the application.
[ 1988 c 288 § 404.]

34.05.422
Rate changes, licenses.
(1) Unless otherwise provided by law: (a) Applications for rate changes and uncontested applications for licenses may, in the agency's discretion, be conducted as adjudicative proceedings; (b) applications for licenses that are contested by a person having standing to contest under the law and review of denials of applications for licenses or rate changes must be conducted as adjudicative proceedings; and (c) an agency may not revoke, suspend, or modify a license unless the agency gives notice of an opportunity for an appropriate adjudicative proceeding in accordance with this chapter or other statute.
(2) An agency with authority to grant or deny a professional or occupational license must notify an applicant for a new or renewal license not later than twenty days prior to the date of the examination required for that license of any grounds for denial of the license which are based on specific information disclosed in the application submitted to the agency. The agency must notify the applicant either that the license is denied or that the decision to grant or deny the license will be made at a future date. If the agency fails to give the notification prior to the examination and the applicant is denied licensure, the examination fee must be refunded to the applicant. If the applicant takes the examination, the agency must notify the applicant of the result.
(3) When a licensee has made timely and sufficient application for the renewal of a license or a new license with reference to any activity of a continuing nature, an existing full, temporary, or provisional license does not expire until the application has been finally determined by the agency, and, in case the application is denied or the terms of the new license limited, until the last day for seeking review of the agency order or a later date fixed by order of the reviewing court.
(4) If the agency finds that public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires emergency action, and incorporates a finding to that effect in its order, summary suspension of a license may be ordered pending proceedings for revocation or other action. These proceedings must be promptly instituted and determined.
(5) This section does not apply to requests made by the department of revenue, under the authority of RCW 82.08.155, to the *liquor control board to suspend a person's spirits license and to refuse to renew any spirits license held by the person and to issue any new spirits license to the person.
[ 2012 c 39 § 6; 1989 c 175 § 13; 1988 c 288 § 405; 1980 c 33 § 1; 1967 c 237 § 8. Formerly RCW 34.04.170.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: The "state liquor control board" was renamed the "state liquor and cannabis board" by 2015 c 70 § 3.
Construction -- Effective date -- 2012 c 39: See notes following RCW 82.08.155.
Effective date -- 1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

34.05.425
Presiding officers -- Disqualification, substitution.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, in the discretion of the agency head, the presiding officer in an administrative hearing shall be:
(a) The agency head or one or more members of the agency head;
(b) If the agency has statutory authority to do so, a person other than the agency head or an administrative law judge designated by the agency head to make the final decision and enter the final order;