WSR 98-02-079

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[Filed January 7, 1998, 11:40 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-125 WAC, Nonagricultural employment of minors.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 49.12 RCW, the Industrial Welfare Act.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: As a result of the rule review process mandated by the Governor's Executive Order 97-02, the department is considering amendments to chapter 296-125 WAC to clarify what requirements an employer must satisfy in order to employ a minor and the requirements for the special variance process. Specifically, the department will consider clear rule writing and substantive amendments to WAC 296-125-020 Minor work permits, 296-125-026 Parent/school authorization forms, 296-125-028 Meal and rest breaks for minors, 296-125-050 Posting, recordkeeping, and authority to enter, inspect, and investigate, 296-125-060 Variances, and 296-125-070 Special variances.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Department of Labor, Wages and Hours Division. The Department of Labor and Industries will consult the United States Department of Labor through meetings and written correspondence.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department will utilize stakeholder involvement and follow the Administrative Procedure Act process in promulgating any proposed rule amendments.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. For specific information and opportunities for involvement, contact Greg Mowat, Program Manager, Employment Standards, phone (360) 902-5310, FAX (360) 902-5300, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44510, Olympia, WA 98504-4510.

January 7, 1998

Mary Pat Frederick

for Gary Moore