PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-17 WAC, General reporting rules, audit and recordkeeping, rates and rating system for Washington workers' compensation insurance; and chapter 296-17A WAC, Classifications for Washington workers' compensation insurance.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.16.035 and 51.16.100, and chapter 88, Laws of 2008.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of labor and industries is initiating rule making as a result of chapter 88, Laws of 2008 (SB 6839) to clarify premium liability and information needed when Washington employers work out of state.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: We will work with other states with which we currently have reciprocal agreements relating to possible changes that may be required as a result of the legislation and this rule making.
Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will solicit input from the business and labor communities by way of direct mailings, the internet, and/or informal meetings. Labor and industries will use this input to formulate proposed changes to the existing rules and advise customers of future rule making by direct mailing and/or the internet.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. The department of labor and industries will communicate possible rule changes to affected employers, employer associations and trade associations. Employers and associations will be encouraged to participate in the process to share ideas and/or attend meetings. Interested parties can obtain information on our process at the employer services web site at www.lni.wa.gov/Insuranceservices/Employerservices and can submit comments or questions electronically to Moom235@lni.wa.gov or by calling (360) 902-4774 or by fax (360) 902-4729.
May 12, 2008
Judy Schurke
Director