WSR 15-16-097

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed August 4, 2015, 8:00 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-16 WAC, Employer—Worker reemployment incentives.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, Laws of 2015 (SHB 1496).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rule making is needed to implement chapter 137, Laws of 2015 (SHB 1496). The proposed rule making will enable eligible employers participating in the preferred worker program to receive financial incentives similar to the existing stay at work program, plus a new "durable employment" bonus. The proposed rule making also extends the incentives to include the employer of injury.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Labor and industries will begin the rule amendment process and will share the draft proposal with stakeholders and other interested parties. A public hearing 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 Department of Labor and Industries, Laurinda Grytness, P.O. Box 44329, Olympia, WA 98504-4329.

August 4, 2015

Joel Sacks

Director