(1) In order to timely implement a fee schedule consistent with the Public Records Act, it is more cost efficient, expeditious, and in the public interest for the department to adopt the state legislature's approved fees and costs for most of the department records, as authorized in RCW 42.56.120 and as published in the agency's fee schedule. Notwithstanding, for unemployment insurance records covered by chapter 192-15 WAC, the department may charge fees for records consistent with state or federal law.

(2) The department is not calculating actual costs for copying its records because to do so would be unduly burdensome for the following reasons:

(a) The department does not have the resources to conduct a study to determine actual copying costs for all its records.

(b) Conducting a study to determine actual copying costs would interfere with other essential department functions.

(c) Through the legislative process, the public and requestors have commented on and been informed of authorized fees and costs provided in the Public Records Act, including RCW 42.56.120 and other laws.