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.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule making coordinates rules pertaining to workers' compensation rates with the Washington horse racing commission's (WHRC) emergency rule adoption that creates a mechanism by which they may allow licenses on a temporary basis and collect industrial insurance premiums for those temporary licenses. This rule making begins the permanent rule-making process to establish classifications and fees for horseracing temporary licenses.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state, local or federal agency regulates this issue.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will solicit input from the affected business community by way of direct mailings, the internet, and/or informal public 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. Labor and industries will mail letters with ideas on possible rule changes to affected employers. Employers will be encouraged to participate in the process to share ideas and/or attend meetings. Employers can obtain information on our rule-making process at http://www.lni.wa.gov/LawRule/ruleProcess.asp and can submit comments electronically to moom235@lni.wa.gov or by calling (360) 902-4774 or by fax at (360) 902-4988.

May 17, 2011

Judy Schurke

Director

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office