The bill enacts the Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act in Washington State, establishing a new chapter in Title 19 RCW. It introduces definitions relevant to premerger notifications, including terms such as "Hart-Scott-Rodino act," "premerger notification," and "person." The bill mandates that individuals or entities filing a premerger notification must submit a complete electronic copy of the Hart-Scott-Rodino form to the attorney general under specific conditions, including having a principal place of business in the state or meeting certain sales thresholds. Additionally, the attorney general is prohibited from disclosing the submitted forms and materials, ensuring confidentiality, while also allowing for limited disclosures under certain circumstances.

The legislation also includes provisions for civil penalties for noncompliance, promoting uniformity in application across jurisdictions that adopt the act, and specifies that the new rules apply only to premerger notifications filed after the act's effective date. Furthermore, it amends existing law to clarify that providers must provide a copy of the Hart-Scott-Rodino form to the attorney general as part of the notification process. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the premerger notification process while maintaining confidentiality and compliance standards.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.390.060
Bill as Passed Legislature: 19.390.060
Session Law: 19.390.060