Executive Order 97-02 also required state agencies to submit annual reports on the progress in regulatory improvement. Although the time limit for this Executive Order has expired, we intend continue to review all rules every four years to be sure they are clear, simple, understandable, effective and easy to use. A rule has the effect of law and can affect thousands of people.
Rules can change how people live, get an education, receive medical care or carry on a profession.
RCW is action taken by the Washington State Legislature. The WSR is how the Legislature informs the public about new laws or changes in old laws. Many of our programs receive federal funding, so we must include the Laws and 'rules' that govern those programs. For example, the APA requires the Department of Social and Health Services to publish new rules in the Washington State Register. Further, the APA requires us to investigate the cost and economic impact of new or revised rules.