List of rulemaking activity

Prohibitions

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Appraisers
    • Appraisal management companies
Completed

Current rule(s)

Prohibitions (WAC 308-409-080)

We updated the language in this rule to include requirements from RCW 18.310.150 Disciplinary actions—Grounds. This is in response to a rulemaking petition.

Current step

June 10, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on June 7, 2024.
10 a.m.

Driver training schools

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Driver training schools
In progress

Current rule(s)

Driver training schools (Chapter 308-108 WAC)

We're changing the rules for driver training schools to align with the latest national standards. This means we’re updating what courses need to include and what instructors should know. We’re also getting rid of any old or unnecessary wording.

Current step

December 4, 2024

Intent to change a rule

Public hearing or comments

You can participate in this rulemaking activity by emailing us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Recreational vehicle dealers and manufacturers

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Vehicle and boat dealers
    • Vehicle manufacturers
Withdrawn

Current rule(s)

Title 308 WAC

We considered creating new rules to fulfill the requirements of SHB 1996. This bill passed during the 2024 legislative session. The new rules would've covered the licensing, auditing, and regulatory oversight of recreational vehicle manufacturers and dealers.

Current step

May 22, 2024

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

Semiautomatic assault rifle fee

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Firearms dealers
Completed

Current rule(s)

Semiautomatic assault rifle fee (WAC 308-500-010)

We removed the requirement for firearm dealers to charge a fee for semiautomatic assault rifle purchases. This change allows firearms dealers to charge a background check fee for the Secure Automated Firearm E-check system run by the Washington State Patrol.

Current step

March 26, 2024

Rule repealed

Public hearing or comments

Deterring catalytic converter theft

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Vehicle and boat dealers
    • Vehicle manufacturers
In progress

Current rule(s)

Motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers (Chapter 308-66 WAC)

We're proposing a new rule to clarify requirements for vehicle dealers when marking catalytic converters prior to sale.

Current step

October 2, 2024

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

You can participate in this rulemaking activity by contacting us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Real estate appraiser fees and charges

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Appraisers
    • Real estate
Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees and charges (Chapter 308-125-120 WAC)

We're proposing an increase to fees for real estate appraisers. Current fees aren't enough to cover program costs. The law requires us to review program budgets and set fees to cover administration costs. The licensing fees we collect are the only source of funds that cover program costs.

We continue to look into ways to reduce budget gaps while minimizing the impact on our licensees. For example, we replaced travel for board meetings and investigations with virtual options, where possible. This reduces travel costs for rental space, lodging, meals, staffing, mileage and more.

Current step

September 19, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held public hearings for this rulemaking activity on August 28, 2024 and September 18, 2024.

Scrap metal wrecker application and fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Scrap metal
Completed

Current rule(s)

We're creating new licensing rules for vehicle wreckers and scrap metal businesses. The rules adopt a $500 catalytic converter inspection fee. These licensees must pay the fee when applying for or renewing their license. The new fee is required by a law passed during the 2024 legislative session.

Current step

June 20, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We're proposing this rule change under an expedited process (RCW 34.05.353). This process eliminates the need for us to hold public hearings. If you object to the use of the expedited process for this rule change, you must object in writing. Email your objection to rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov or mail it to:

Rules Coordinator
Department of Licensing
1125 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Professional licenses for military spouses

  • All business and professional licensing
Completed

Current rule(s)

Military spouse requesting an expedited processing (WAC 308-09-015); Military spouse licensing - Equivalency to Washington standards and temporary licensing (308-09-020)

We're changing rules for expedited licensing and timelines for temporary licensing for military spouses. This change follows E2SHB 1009, a law passed during the 2023 legislative session.

Current step

August 22, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

No public hearing was held.

Funeral and cemetery licensing and renewals

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Funerals and cemeteries
Completed

Current rule(s)

Operator licensure for those who conduct cremations, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction (WAC 308-47-090); Final disposition permit application procedure (WAC 308-47A-030); Renewal of licenses - Funeral directors, embalmers, funeral director interns and embalmer interns (WAC 308-48-180)

We're updating rules to follow a new law that changes renewal dates for cemetery certificates, prearrangement sales licenses, funeral directors, embalmers, and reduction facility operators.

Current step

September 20, 2023

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

No public hearing was held.

Geologist licensing fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Geologists
Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees (WAC 308-15-150)

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the geologist program.

Current step

October 20, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held October 11, 2022

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