WSR 14-11-077

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 20, 2014, 11:22 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establish rates for farm internship program classifications and update reporting rules for workers' compensation insurance. This rule making is necessary as a result of SSB 5123 (chapter 131, Laws of 2014) effective June 12, 2014, which establishes a farm internship program for small employers in a variety of counties.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.16.035.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Without this rule making, rates for the farm internship classifications could not become effective. The new rates and updated reporting rule are necessary to ensure proper reporting of hours and collection of premiums for employers participating in the farm internship program.

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 subject.

Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will solicit input from the business community by way of the internet. Labor and industries will use input to formulate proposed changes to the existing rules and advise customers of future rule making by the internet.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Employers can obtain information on our rule-making process at http://www.lni.wa.gov/LawRule/ruleProcess.asp and can submit comments electronically to JoAnne.Attwood@Lni.wa.gov or by calling (360) 902-4777, or by fax (360) 902-5830.

May 20, 2014

Joel Sacks

Director