WSR 26-19-114 — Department of Labor and Industries [Order 26-10—FILED September 22, 2026, 8:48 A.M.] Original Notice

WSR 26-19-114 — Department of Labor and Industries [Order 26-10—FILED September 22, 2026, 8:48 A.M.] Original Notice WSR 26-19-114 (26-19) WSR 26-19-114 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES [Order 26-10—Filed September 22, 2026, 8:48 a.m.] Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-13-085. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: 2027 Industrial insurance premium rates. Chapter 296-17 WAC, General reporting rules, audit and recordkeeping, rates and rating system for Washington workers' compensation insurance; and chapter 296-17B WAC, Retrospective rating for workers' compensation insurance. Hearing Location(s): On October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Headquarters, Room S119, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater, WA 98501. The hearing starts at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until all oral comments are received; On October 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., electronically at https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/5484210584?omn=86303294900 , Meeting ID 548 421 0584; or join by phone (audio only) 253-215-8782 US (Tacoma), Meeting ID 548 421 0584. The hearing starts at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until all oral comments are received; and On October 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., electronically https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/5484210584?omn=87399160603 , Meeting ID 548 421 0584; or join by phone (audio only) 253-215-8782 US (Tacoma), Meeting ID 548 421 0584. The hearing starts at 2:00 p.m. and will continue until all oral comments are received. Date of Intended Adoption: November 30, 2026. Submit Written Comments to: Jo Anne Attwood, L&I, Insurance Services, Employer Services, P.O. Box 44148, Olympia, WA 98504-4148, email JoAnne.Attwood@Lni.wa.gov , fax 360-902-4988, beginning September 23, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., by October 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jo Anne Attwood, phone 360-902-4777, fax 360-902-4988, by October 22, 2026. Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule amends the tables of classification base premium rates, experience rating plan parameters, and experience modification factor calculation limitations for the workers' compensation insurance program for calendar year 2027. Classification base rates were updated to align with expected losses. L&I proposes a 4.9 percent overall average premium rate change. Amending WAC 296-17-855 Experience modification, 296-17-875 Table I, 296-17-880 Table II, 296-17-885 Table III, 296-17-890 Table IV, 296-17-895 Industrial insurance accident fund base rates, stay at work and medical aid base rates by class of industry, 296-17-89502 Industrial insurance accident fund, stay at work, medical aid and supplemental pension rates by class of industry for nonhourly rated classifications, 296-17-89507 Horse racing rates, 296-17-89508 Farm internship program industrial insurance, accident fund, stay at work fund, medical aid fund, and supplemental pension by class, 296-17-920 Assessment for supplemental pension fund, 296-17B-540 Determining loss incurred for each claim, and 296-17B-900 Retrospective rating plans standard premium size ranges. Reasons Supporting Proposal: Washington law provides that rates should be adjusted annually to reflect the hazards of each industry and in accordance with recognized workers' compensation insurance principles. L&I is proposing an overall average rate increase of 4.9 percent to ensure premiums cover most of the expected costs of 2027 workers' compensation claims. This increase is less than the indicated break-even rate and consistent with L&I's rate-making principle of keeping rates steady and predictable. This rate increase is required to account for wage inflation and other cost drivers. In addition, the increase enables L&I to maintain working capital in the supplemental pension fund which pays for annual cost of living adjustments for pensions. L&I is able to minimize the increase for this upcoming year due to accumulated investment earnings that benefit the workers' compensation contingency reserve. This p Matter furnished by the Washington Office of the Code Reviser (Washington State Register). Notice Nearby did not write this notice. Source: Washington State Register Published: 2026-09-22 Original: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2026/19/26-19-114.htm This listing was added to the Notice Nearby public register from a public government source. It is not a Notice Nearby paid publication, affidavit, or placement certificate.