WSR 14-10-065
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed May 6, 2014, 9:05 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering modifying rules in four specific areas:
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Rules applicable to the classification and reporting of professional sports teams (WAC 296-17-35203(1), 296-17A-6706, 296-17A-6707, 296-17A-6809, and 296-17A-7102);
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Rules applicable to the classification of employers operating spas (WAC 296-17A-6109, 296-17A-6204, and 296-17A-6501);
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Rules applicable to the classification of reforestation employment (WAC 296-17A-1007, 296-17A-5004, and 296-17A-5006); and
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Rules applicable to the classification of farming operations (WAC 296-17A-4802 through 296-17A-4813).
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.16.035.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish:
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Professional sports teams' classifications may need more clarity to ensure consistency in our practices for classifying coaches in the off-season. Classification 7102 should be considered for repeal since no employer has reported in 7102 for many years.
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Certain classification updates should be considered to ensure fair and consistent treatment of all businesses operating spas.
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The department will consider reducing the number of subclassifications in the reforestation industry to simplify reporting in that industry.
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The department will consider clarifying the verbiage in classifications describing farming operations to make them easier to understand and apply.
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 workers' compensation rates.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study; and we have received suggestions from businesses assigned affected classifications, and from business organizations that represent such businesses.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Employers can get information on our rule-making process at http://www.lni.wa.gov/LawRule/ruleProcess.asp and can submit comments electronically to Richard.Bredeson@lni.wa.gov or by calling (360) 902-4985.
May 6, 2014
Joel Sacks
Director