PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-400A WAC, Plumber certification rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.106 RCW and chapter 36, Laws of 2009 (SHB 1055).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule making is a result [of] SHB 1055, which passed the 2009 legislature. The legislation amended the plumber certification laws by requiring certified plumbers to have their appropriate certifications and photo identification card in their possession while working. The rules need to be updated to reflect this change.
The rule making also includes a fee increase of 5.20%, which is the office of financial management's maximum allowable fiscal growth rate factor for fiscal year 2010. The program's budget and projected revenue was evaluated and determined that the fee increase is necessary to help cover the cost of ongoing services of the plumber certification program. This fee increase was further supported by the passage of the chapter 464, Laws of 2009 (ESHB 1244 - 2009 budget), which includes the authority to increase these fees.
The department will also:
| • | Expand an exemption for plumbing trainees that are not in an apprenticeship as defined by chapter 49.04 RCW to a plumber trainee. |
| • | Make additional housekeeping changes for further clarify [clarity] to the rules. For example, add a definition for "course of study" so applicants know what training classes need to be taken in order to sit [in on] the written examination. |
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in these rules may contact the individual listed below. The public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments and/or testimony during the public hearing and comment process. Public hearings will be held after the proposal is filed.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Sally Elliott, Department of Labor and Industries, Specialty Compliance Services Division, P.O. Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400, phone (360) 902-6411, fax (360) 902-5292, e-mail yous235@lni.wa.gov.
September 1, 2009
Judy Schurke
Director