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 related materials, ensuring confidentiality, except under certain circumstances.
The legislation also includes provisions for reciprocity, allowing the attorney general to share information with counterparts in other states that have enacted similar laws, provided those laws have adequate confidentiality protections. A civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day may be imposed for noncompliance with the filing requirements. The bill emphasizes the importance of uniformity in application and construction across jurisdictions that adopt this act, and it specifies that the new provisions apply only to premerger notifications filed after the act's effective date. Furthermore, it amends existing law to clarify the requirements for providers or provider organizations regarding their notification obligations.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 19.390.060
Bill as Passed Legislature: 19.390.060
Session Law: 19.390.060