In-person:
Department of Labor & Industries
7273 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501

L&I Office Locations

To join electronically (Zoom):
https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/82850664292?pwd=zDIXbckaut8lV6KP0tWH3BGtK2e6n8.1
Passcode: pL44P%*N

To join by phone (audio only):
253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 828 5066 4292
Passcode: 45660174

The in-person and virtual/telephonic hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until all oral comments are received.

L&I encourages the submittal of written comments, due by 5:00 p.m. on October 7, 2025.

The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend Chapter 296-46B WAC to adopt the 2026 edition of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), to ensure the rules align with the latest national safety standards. The 2026 NEC would replace the current 2023 edition. The NEC sets the standard for safe electrical installations in homes, businesses, and institutions to protect people and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. The 2026 edition of the NEC will be published in the fall of 2025. L&I is proposing adopting the 2026 NEC in its entirety by reference under this rulemaking with a delayed effective of December 31, 2026, to give stakeholders advance notice of its adoption and more opportunity for review and comment, prior to its publication and L&I’s formal rule review process. Additional amendments under this rulemaking are also necessary to eliminate an unnecessary temperature restriction for certain cable types and to provide better clarity for reporting trainee hours of experience.