WSR 23-22-104

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[Filed October 31, 2023, 8:30 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Electrical rules: WAC 296-46B-906 Inspection fees, 296-46B-909 Electrical/telecommunications contractor's license, administrator certificate and examination, master electrician certificate and examination, electrician certificate and examination, copy, and miscellaneous fees, and 296-46B-911 Electrical testing laboratory and engineer accreditation fees.

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 industries (L&I) is considering a fee increase by the fiscal growth factor for the electrical program (program) to support increased operating expenses for inspections and other program services. The current fee levels are insufficient to cover current program expenses. The fee increase is necessary to ensure that revenues match expenditures.

This rule making also considers removing the fee for printed copies of the electrical laws and rules. The program will no longer be providing printed copies as electronic versions are available online for customers for printing.

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.

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://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/electrical/laws-rules-policies.

October 31, 2023

Joel Sacks

Director