2025 Rulemaking

Electrical rules

L&I is considering amendments to the electrical rules.

The amendments under consideration include:

• Adopting the 2026 edition of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC) by reference with an effective date.
• Amending the NEC restriction for Washington to allow calculations for minimum conductor sizes to be calculated at a higher temperature rating.
• Clarifying the requirements for trainees to submit training hours.
• Additional changes for housekeeping.

The agency filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry on May 6.

The changes affect rules under:

• WAC 296-46B-010, General.
• WAC  296-46B-334, Nonmetallic-sheathed cable.
• WAC 296-46B-942, Training certificate required.

Rulemaking documents

Notice of intent (05/06/2025)

CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry

Here's what happens next

• Sept. 2: The proposed rules (CR-102) are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.
• Oct. 7: A public hearing on the proposed rules is tentatively scheduled.
• Nov. 18: The final rules (CR-103), if adopted, are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.
• Dec. 19: The changes would take effect.

Fee increase

L&I has adopted fee increases by 6.41% to cover operating expenses, electrical inspections and other program public safety activities for the agency’s Electrical Program.

The agency filed a CR-103 Adoption Order on May 6. CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking on Feb. 18. The fee increase is the maximum allowed by the state Office of Financial Management for fiscal year 2026. It is based on the average personal income growth over the past decade. The adopted rule takes effect July 1, 2025.

The changes affect rules under:

• WAC 296-46B-906, Inspection Fees;
• WAC 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
• WAC 296-46B-911, Electrical testing laboratory and engineer accreditation fees.

Rulemaking documents
Notice of intent (01/02/2025)

• CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry.

Proposed rule language (2/18/2025)

• CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking.
• CR-102 Proposed Rule Language.
• Public Hearing Information Packet.

Final Adoption (05/06/2025)

• CR-103 Adoption.
• CR-103 Adoption Language.
• Concise explanatory Statement.

Related resources

• Trades & Licensing Rules Under Development (listed alphabetically) to find electrical safety standards, administration, and installation.
• Current electrical rulemaking.
• Join the Electrical Bulletin to get email notices with important dates and other information about rule changes.

As new policies are approved, they will be posted here. Please check back on a regular basis.