Official Text and Analysis.

Provides that the regulatory fairness act does not apply to the adoption of a rule if an agency is able to demonstrate that the proposed rule does not affect small businesses. Requires a proposing agency to consider mitigation options if a proposed rule affects only small businesses. Requires the office of regulatory assistance to act as the central entity to collaborate with and provide support to state agencies in meeting the requirements of the regulatory fairness act. Requires the state auditor to conduct a performance review of agency compliance with the regulatory fairness act.

Requires an agency whose proposed rule imposes more than minor costs on small businesses to mitigate those costs when it does not have sufficient data to calculate disproportionate impacts. Requires the Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance to act as the central entity to assist agencies with meeting the requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act. Requires the Office of the Washington State Auditor to conduct performance reviews of agency compliance with the Regulatory Fairness Act.