The department of information services may become a licensed certification authority, under chapter 19.34 RCW, for the purpose of providing services to agencies, local governments, and other entities and persons for purposes of official state business. The department is not subject to RCW 19.34.100(1)(a). The department shall only issue certificates, as defined in RCW 19.34.020, in which the subscriber is:

     (1) The state of Washington or a department, office, or agency of the state;

     (2) A city, county, district, or other municipal corporation, or a department, office, or agency of the city, county, district, or municipal corporation;

     (3) An agent or employee of an entity described by subsection (1) or (2) of this section, for purposes of official public business;

     (4) Any other person or entity engaged in matters of official public business, however, such certificates shall be limited only to matters of official public business. The department may issue certificates to such persons or entities only if after issuing a request for proposals from certification authorities licensed under chapter 19.34 RCW and review of the submitted proposals, makes a determination that such private services are not sufficient to meet the department's published requirements. The department must set forth in writing the basis of any such determination and provide procedures for challenge of the determination as provided by the state procurement requirements; or

     (5) An applicant for a license as a certification authority for the purpose of compliance with RCW 19.34.100(1)(a).

[1999 c 287 § 18; 1997 c 27 § 29.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 1999 c 287: See note following RCW 19.34.010.

     Effective date--Severability--1997 c 27: See notes following RCW 19.34.030.