Opinion ID: 2603483
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the delegation of authority is constitutional

Text: [1, 2] Legislative functions cannot be delegated to an administrative body but the Legislature may delegate administrative power. Keeting v. PUD 1, 49 Wn.2d 761, 767, 306 P.2d 762 (1957); see also 1 C. Koch, Administrative Law and Practice § 1.22 (1985); R. Pierce, Jr., S. Shapiro & P. Verkuil, Administrative Law and Process § 3.4.5 (1985); B. Schwartz, Administrative Law § 2.12 (2d ed. 1984). Regarding the standards required for a proper delegation of administrative power, Barry & Barry, Inc. v. Department of Motor Vehicles, 81 Wn.2d 155, 159, 500 P.2d 540 (1972), appeal dismissed, 410 U.S. 977 (1973), states: [T]he delegation of legislative power is justified and constitutional, and the requirements of the standards doctrine are satisfied, when it can be shown (1) that the legislature has provided standards or guidelines which define in general terms what is to be done and the instrumentality or administrative body which is to accomplish it; and (2) that procedural safeguards exist to control arbitrary administrative action and any administrative abuse of discretionary power. The dominion of the Board is broad and extensive. Quan v. State Liquor Control Bd., 69 Wn.2d 373, 379, 418 P.2d 424 (1966). The broad powers of the Board are, in part, enumerated under RCW 66.08.050. The Board has the authority to make necessary and advisable regulations consistent with the spirit of RCW Title 66. RCW 66.08.030(1); see State ex rel. Thornbury v. Gregory, 191 Wash. 70, 78, 70 P.2d 788 (1937). However, the broad and extensive powers given the Board are not all inclusive. Numerous statutory guidelines have been provided which broadly define the authority and duty of the Board and which insure procedural safeguards against arbitrary administrative action and abuse of discretionary power. See in particular RCW 66.08.010, .030, .050, .150; RCW 66.24.010,.400-.450; RCW 66.98.070; see also RCW 34.04. RCW 66.08.010 states: This entire title shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the state, for the protection of the welfare, health, peace, morals, and safety of the people of the state, and all its provisions shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of that purpose. The Legislature has provided the Board with standards or guidelines and has established required procedural safeguards to protect against improper administrative action. See Barry, at 159. The delegation of administrative power to the Board is justified and constitutional.