WSR 22-03-073
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed January 18, 2022, 8:25 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Changes under consideration to the plumber rules under chapter 296-400A WAC, Plumber certification rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 153, Laws of 2020, SB 6170; and chapter
18.106 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of labor and industries (L&I) is considering changes to the plumbing rules under chapter 296-400A WAC, Plumber certification rules. The changes under consideration:
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| • | Increase fees by 5.58 percent to cover operating expenses. |
| • | Modify rules to address the legislative changes under the 2020 Plumbing Act (SB 6170, chapter 153, Laws of 2020). The changes under consideration include, but are not limited to: |
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| º | Adding new fees and penalties; |
| º | Modifying the definitions; |
| º | Modifying plumbing certificates and competency examinations; and |
| º | Modifying records and licenses plumbing contractors need to keep and report. |
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| • | Modify rules for general updates, clarity, housekeeping, and other rule changes. |
This rule making is necessary to make changes to the plumber certification rules due to the passage of SB 6170, as well as to make general updates to existing rules for clarity, consistency, and to ensure the rules are up-to-date.
The fee increase is the office of financial management's maximum allowable fiscal growth factor for fiscal year 2023. A fee increase is necessary to ensure the plumber program's revenues match expenditures, otherwise, service levels may need to be reduced.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.
Process for Developing New Rule: L&I will develop the rule language with input from stakeholders. Interested parties may participate in the decision to adopt the amended rules and formulation of the rules before publication by contacting the individual below. The public may also participate, after amendments are proposed, by providing written comments and/or testimony during the public hearing and comment period.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Alicia Curry, L&I, Field Services and Public Safety Division, P.O. Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400, phone 360-902-6244, fax 360-902-5292, email Alicia.Curry@Lni.wa.gov, website https://www.lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/?query=296-400A.
January 18, 2022
Joel Sacks
Director