WSR 15-11-064

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 19, 2015, 7:08 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-17 WAC, General reporting rules, audit and recordkeeping, rates and rating system for workers' compensation insurance and chapter 296-17A WAC, Classifications for Washington workers' compensation insurance.

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

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule making is being performed to implement requirements of ESSB 5550 which exempts from workers' compensation insurance the taxi, for hire, and limousine drivers who own or lease their vehicles; and commercial transportation service drivers as defined in Title 48 [RCW]. The legislation allows for elective coverage for these exempt employments.

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 fax (360) 902-5830.

May 19, 2015

Joel Sacks

Director