To join on your computer or mobile app:
https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/89846174265?pwd=ekEvalRRZ2tZU05vbzg5WTZoU3pPZz09
Meeting ID: 898 4617 4265
Passcode: Sept2623!

To join by phone (audio only):
253-215-8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 898 4617 4265
Passcode: 425312916

The hearing will start at 10:00 a.m. and continue until all oral comments are received.

L&I encourages the submittal of written comments, due by 5:00 p.m. on September 26, 2023.

The purpose of this rulemaking is to implement clear rule writing to ensure staff and customers can easily understand and apply the workers’ compensation insurance classification and reporting rules under Chapters 296-17 and 296-17A WAC. Classification Development studied some subclassifications for potential reduction in number, and reviewed classification and reporting rules for improvement and clarification. The purpose of this rulemaking is not to make substantive changes to how employers are classified and amendments will not increase employer rates. L&I reviewed these chapters for need, clarity, and consistency to make changes where possible to reduce the regulatory burden on employers insured with the State Fund. L&I amended some classifications to increase ease of reporting, and ensure consistent and equitable treatment to businesses. As a part of this rulemaking, L&I updated the trucking reporting and classification rules based on recommendations from a cross-divisional workgroup. These updates clarify L&I’s practice of determining interstate or intrastate trucking based on where the driver drives rather than the location of the load being hauled. Lastly, L&I changed the word “servant” to “worker” in Classification 6510 Domestic servants/home care assistance employed in or about the private residence of a home owner, as “worker” is a more respectful term. L&I received requests from industry to change this language. We look forward to any opportunity in the future to update RCW 51.12.020 to make the same improvement.