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Find out how we create and change rules related to licensing.
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Our semiannual rulemaking agenda is the current list of rule changes that we're considering. We update it twice a year.
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List of rulemaking activity
CDL disqualification procedures
- Driver licensing
Completed
Current rule(s)
Final orders (WAC 308-101-230)
Summary
We rescinded subsection 4 of this rule to allow for CDL disqualifications to be addressed within the personal driver’s license hearing. This follows an analysis of our CDL disqualification procedures.
Current step
January 13, 2025
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on January 6, 2025.
Document review and interviews
- Driver licensing
- Vehicle and boat registration
Completed
Current rule(s)
Summary
State laws already define administrative reviews and interviews. We're required to define the specifics of conducting the document review or interview. Standard procedures include eligibility, evidence needing review, authority of the review, and other legal remedies available after the review.
This new rule provides greater clarity for conducting administrative reviews and interviews.
This new rule provides greater clarity for conducting administrative reviews and interviews.
Current step
January 6, 2025
New rule adopted
Employment agency licensing fees
- All business and professional licensing
- Employment agencies
Completed
Current rule(s)
Chapter 308-33-105 WAC Employment agency fees
Summary
We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the employment agencies program.
Current step
April 27, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held April 25, 2023
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Audio transcript
Limousine vehicle requirements
- All business and professional licensing
- Limousines
Completed
Current rule(s)
Definitions (308-83-10 WAC)
Summary
We're decreasing the wheelbase requirement for executive sedans and SUVs as well as the passenger requirements for executive vans. This means that more modern vehicles will now meet the definition of a limousine.
Current step
April 6, 2023
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held April 4, 2023
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 15 minutes) - Audio transcript
Real estate broker education and license renewals
- All business and professional licensing
- Real estate
Completed
Current rule(s)
Broker first active renewal (WAC 308-124A-785); Continuing education clock hour requirements (WAC 308-124A-790); Course titles reserved for prescribed curriculum courses (WAC 308-124H-810); General requirements for course approval (WAC 308-124H-820); Secondary education provider course content approval application (WAC 308-124H-825)
Summary
We're proposing rules requiring new and current real estate licensees to take instructional courses about fair housing and preventing unfair housing practices. We'll be responsible for providing the curriculum. The proposed rules would add the fair housing course to the current rules, edit the rules to be clearer, create new requirements for licensees, and subject licensees to audits.
Current step
July 6, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held June 8, 2022
Real estate licensing and education fees
- All business and professional licensing
- Real estate
Completed
Current rule(s)
Real estate fees (WAC 308-124A-775); Real estate course, school, and instructor approval fees (WAC 308-124H-990)
Summary
We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the real estate program.
Current step
August 2, 2021
Rule change adopted
Landscape architect licensing fees
- All business and professional licensing
- Landscape architects
Completed
Current rule(s)
Fees (WAC 308-13-150)
Summary
We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the landscape architect program.
Current step
October 20, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held November 22, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Audio transcript
Collection agency licensing fees
- All business and professional licensing
- Collection agencies
Completed
Current rule(s)
Collection agency fees (Chapter 308-29-045 WAC)
Summary
We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the collection agency program.
Current step
November 30, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held November 28, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Audio transcript
Architect license applications and signatures
- All business and professional licensing
- Architects
Completed
Current rule(s)
Architects (Chapter 308-12 WAC)
Summary
We're simplifying the architect license application process and fulfilling the system requirements needed to apply online. We're also updating our signature requirements, including those for electronic signatures.
Current step
December 15, 2020
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held December 9, 2020
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 8 minutes)
Architect licensing fees
- All business and professional licensing
- Architects
Completed
Current rule(s)
Architect fees (Chapter 308-12-205 WAC)
Summary
We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the architect program.
Current step
November 30, 2022
Rule change adopted
Public hearing or comments
Public hearing held November 22, 2022
- Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes) - Audio transcript