WSR 25-14-100
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed July 1, 2025, 9:19 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-71 WAC, Refinery worker training and certification in high hazard facilities.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The purpose of this rule making is to implement EHB 1173, concerning the skilled and trained workforce requirements for refinery owners when contracting for construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, or maintenance work at high hazard facilities. EHB 1173 (chapter 210, Laws of 2025) amends chapter
49.80 RCW by adding a definition for "applicable occupation," amending the definition for who is considered a "registered apprentice," and adding language regarding the wage payment requirement for a worker in an apprenticeable occupation performing work under this chapter when they don't meet the definition of either registered or skilled journeyperson. Rule making may also be considered to provide further clarification and guidance concerning implementation of the chapter.
EHB 1173 is effective on January 1, 2026.
Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in the formulation of these rules for proposal may contact the individual listed below. The public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments or giving oral testimony during the public hearing process.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Carmyn Shute, Administrative Regulations Analyst, Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Division of Occupational Safety and Health, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone 360-870-4525, fax 360-902-5619, email Carmyn.Shute@Lni.wa.gov.
Additional comments: For more information on L&I rule making, visit L&I's rule-making activity web page at https://www.Lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/.
July 1, 2025
Joel Sacks
Director