(1) The penalties payable pursuant to this chapter shall be adjusted for inflation every three years, beginning July 1, 2023, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period.

(2) For purposes of this section, "consumer price index" means, for any calendar year, that year's average consumer price index for the Seattle, Washington area for urban wage earners and clerical workers, all items, compiled by the bureau of labor statistics, United States department of labor.

(3) During the last quarter of the year preceding the scheduled inflationary adjustment, the department will gather stakeholder comment on the anticipated adjustment.

Effective date—2020 c 277 ss 1-7: See note following RCW 51.48.010.