Subject of Possible Rule Making: Electrical rules—Code adoption. Chapter 296-46B WAC, Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation, excluding WAC 296-46B-945 Qualifying for master, journey level, specialty electrician examinations.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 19.28 RCW, Electricians and electrical installations, including RCW 19.28.031 and 19.28.251.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of labor and industry's (L&I) electrical program is reviewing the electrical rules under chapter 296-46B WAC and new safety codes from the 2023 edition of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC). The purpose of this review is to consider amendments based on the 2023 NEC safety codes, update and clarify existing rules, and make housekeeping and other rule changes. The 2023 NEC (NFPA 70-2023) would replace the current 2020 NEC (NFPA 70-2020) standards.

The electrical rules are reviewed every three years, or each code cycle, to ensure the rules are consistent with national electrical safety standards and industry practice. The review process provides Washington's electrical stakeholders the opportunity to review the existing rules, submit proposals for changes to the rules, and provide recommendations to L&I regarding adoption of the rules prior to NEC implementation.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rules and formulation of the proposed rules before publication by contacting the individual listed below. The public can also participate after amendments are proposed by providing written comments and/or testimony during the public hearing and comment process. All rule proposals will be reviewed by a technical advisory committee (TAC) and the electrical board.

L&I is seeking input from interested parties to be used in the formulation of the proposed electrical rules. Interested parties may submit rule proposals for changes to the rules through May 20, 2023.

L&I is also appointing a general TAC made up of experts and interested group representatives to review and make recommendations on proposals from the electrical industry. Interested parties may submit an application to become a TAC member and participate in the rules development process through May 20, 2023.

For more information on this rule making, visit the L&I website at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/laws-rules-policies#rule-development or contact the individual below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Meagan Edwards, L&I, Field Services and Public Safety Division, P.O. Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400, phone 360-522-0125, fax 360-902-6134, email Meagan.Edwards@Lni.wa.gov, website https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/laws-rules-policies#rule-development.