2026 rulemaking

2026 national electric code amendments

L&I is reviewing the electrical rules under chapter 296-46B WAC and new safety codes from the 2026 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC). The purpose of the review is to consider changes to the rules for new safety codes, to update and clarify existing rules, and make housekeeping and other changes.

L&I reviews the state electrical rules every three years, to ensure consistency with national electrical safety standards and industry practice. The 2026 NEC will replace the current 2023 NEC edition on Dec. 31, 2026.

L&I filed a formal Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101) on Dec. 16.

How to participate

1. You may submit proposals for rule changes. The deadline was Feb. 13, 2026. See the January 2026 Special Edition Electrical Currents Newsletter for details.
2. Join the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). TAC members of experts and other stakeholders review proposals. To apply for a position, send a letter of interest to ElectricalWAC@Lni.wa.gov and put TAC in the subject line.
3. There will be opportunities to provide written comments and present testimony at a public hearing yet to be scheduled.

If adopted, the new rules are expected to take effect Dec. 31, 2026.

Rulemaking document

Notice of Intent (12/16/2025)

• CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry.
• Proposed Amendments for TAC.
• First draft proposed rule amendments short.
• First draft proposed rule amendments long.

Here's what happens next

Technical Advisory Committee Meeting
Date: TBD
Time: 9 a.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Location: Department of Labor & Industries
7273 Linderson Way SW, S117 Hybrid
Tumwater, WA 98501

Join Zoom Meeting
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
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Passcode:ElecTAC1!

Phone one-tap:
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Join via audio:
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Webinar ID: 837 4759 5221
Passcode: 652960420

Questions? Call 360-902-5259

• July 2026: The proposed rules (CR-102) are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.
• August 2026: A public hearing on the proposed rules is tentatively scheduled.
• November 2026: The final rules (CR-103), if adopted, are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.
• Dec. 31, 2026: The changes would take effect.

2025 rulemaking

L&I has adopted 6.51% fee increases for services from the Contractor Registration, Electrical, Elevator, Factory Assembled Structures (FAS), and Plumber programs.

The agency filed a CR-103 Rulemaking Order on May 5. The amount of the increase is the fiscal growth factor for fiscal year 2027. The increase represents the average personal income growth over the past decade.

This rulemaking also adopts housekeeping changes to the electrical rules to correct a mathematical error from a previous fee increase rulemaking.

The fee increases affect the following Washington Administrative Code (WACs):

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;
WAC 296-46B-911, Electrical testing laboratory and engineer accreditation fees;
WAC 296-96-00922, Licensing fees;
WAC 296-96-01085, Permit and inspection fees;
WAC 296-150C-3000, Commercial coach fees;
WAC 296-150F-3000, Factory-built housing and commercial structure fees;
WAC 296-150I-3000, Penalties, fees, and refunds;
WAC 296-150M-3000, Manufactured/mobile home fees;
WAC 296-150P-3000, Recreational park trailer fees;
WAC 296-150R-3000, Recreational vehicle fees;
WAC 296-150T-3000, Factory-built temporary worker housing fees;
WAC 296-150V-3000, Conversion vendor units and medical units – Fees;
WAC 296-200A-900, What fees does the department charge contractors for issuance, renewal, reregistration, and reinstatement of certificates of registration?; and
WAC 296-400A-045, What fees does the department charge for issuance, renewal, relicensing, and reinstatement of a plumbing contractor license and plumbing certificates?

The adopted fee increases take effect July 1.

Rulemaking documents

Notice of intent (12/2/2025)

CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry

Proposed Rule Language (2/23/2026)

• CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking.
• CR-102 Proposed Rule Language.

Final Adoption (05/05/2026)

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

2025 rulemaking - electric vehicle supply equipment (SSB 5528 Implementation) and competency examinations

L&I is proposing electrical rule changes that would affect requirements for installing electric vehicle supply equipment and electrician and administrator competency examinations. The changes are necessary because of legislation passed earlier this year and to streamline the rules.

The legislation involves Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (SSB 5528 implementation). The changes would affect Chapter 296-46B WAC, Electric Safety Standards, Administration, and Installation.

Additionally, this rulemaking also proposes changes to streamline requirements for electrician and administrator competency examinations, including updates, clarification, housekeeping, and other changes.

The agency filed a Proposed Rulemaking Order (CR-102) on July 14.

If adopted, the amendments would take effect Nov. 20, 2026.

How to Participate

A public hearing on the proposed rules will take place August 26, starting at 9 a.m. at L&I headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater, WA.

Besides participating in person, you can join by:

Zoom:
Click here to join the meeting:
https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/89313287537?pwd=qwvNT9PdeNlESHxjJDgll4K59cmFe1.1
Passcode: Electric@1
Telephone:
253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 893 1328 7537
Passcode: 7592631469

You can provide testimony or written comments at the above hearing, or send written comments by 5 p.m. on August 26, to:

• Meagan Edwards
• Email: CSCPSRules@Lni.wa.gov
• Mail: Department of Labor & Industries, Customer Service, Compliance, & Public Safety Division, PO Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400

If you require communication or accommodation arrangements, please contact Meagan Edwards at 360-522-0125, by August 12.

Rulemaking document

Notice of Intent (8/5/2025)

• CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry.
• Draft Rule Language - Version 1.
• Draft Rule Language - Version 2.

Proposed Rule Language (07/14/2026)

• CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking
• CR-102 Proposed Rule Language
• Public Hearing Information Packet
• Preliminary Cost Benefit Analysis

Here’s what happens next

• Aug. 26: A public hearing on the proposed rules is tentatively scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
• Oct. 20: The final rules (CR-103), if adopted, are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.
• Nov. 20: The changes would take effect.

Electrical rules

L&I is proposing amendments to the electrical rules.

The proposed changes include:

• Adopting the 2026 edition of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC) with a delayed effective date.
• Amending the NEC requirement for non-metallic sheathed cable by removing the temperature rating for certain sizes of non-metallic sheathed cable, types NMC and NM carrying the suffix letter “-B”.
• Clarifying the deadline for trainees to report hours of work experience to L&I.
• Additional changes for housekeeping.

The agency filed a CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking on Sept. 2.

The changes affect rules under:

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

If adopted, the rule amendments would take effect Dec. 19.

How to Participate

A public hearing on the proposed rules will take place Oct. 7, starting at 9 a.m. at L&I headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater, WA.

Besides participating in person, you can join by:

Zoom:
Click here to join the meeting:
https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/82850664292?pwd=zDIXbckaut8lV6KP0tWH3BGtK2e6n8.1
Passcode: pL44P%*N

Telephone:
253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 828 5066 4292
Passcode: 145660174

You can provide testimony or written comments at the above hearing, or send written comments by 5 p.m. on Oct. 7, to:

• Meagan Edwards
• Email: Meagan.Edwards@Lni.wa.gov
• Mail: Department of Labor & Industries, Field Services & Public Safety Division,
  PO Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400

If you require communication or accommodation arrangements, please contact Meagan Edwards at 360-522-0125, by Sept 23.

Rulemaking documents

Notice of intent (05/06/2025)

• CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry.
• Draft Rule Language - Version 1.

Proposed Rule Language (06/03/2025)

• CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking.
• CR-102 Proposed Rule Language.
• Public Hearing Information Packet.
• Preliminary Cost Benefit Analysis.

Here's what happens next

• Oct. 7: A public hearing on the proposed rules is 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.
  

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.