Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 19.28 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department will propose the following: (1) Adopt the 1999 National Electrical Code per RCW 19.28.060(1); (2) incorporate various electrical board policies into electrical rules per Executive Order 97-02 mandate; (3) implement recent amendments to chapter 19.28 RCW, Laws of 1998 (2SSB 6168) by proposing appropriate electrical rules for temporary worker housing; (4) implement recent amendments to chapter 19.28 RCW, Laws of 1998 (SB 6604) by proposing rules exempting generator manufacturers from the licensing requirements of chapter 19.28 RCW when performing work on "premanufactured power generation equipment assemblies and control gear involving the testing, repair, modification, maintenance, or installation of components internal to the power generation equipment, the control gear, or the transfer switch"; and (5) other amendments to chapters 296-46 and 296-401A WAC as needed to clarify technical or certification requirements.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The development of proposed rules for temporary worker housing will necessitate coordinating with the Washington State Department of Health. This coordination will occur in conjunction with the Department of Health's adoption of its rules governing temporary worker housing.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department in conjunction with the Electrical Board and the electrical industry will develop the proposed amendments. All proposed amendments will be extensively stakeholdered under the leadership of the chief electrical inspector and the Electrical Board. The proposed amendments will be developed and adopted following the process mandated by the Administrative Procedure Act.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Janet Lewis, Chief Electrical Inspector, Department of Labor and Industries, Specialty Compliance Services Division, P.O. Box 44460, Olympia, WA 98504-4460, phone (360) 902-5249, FAX (360) 902-5292.

June 15, 1998

Gary Moore

Director