List of rulemaking activity

Internal agency practice

  • Other
Completed

Current rule(s)

Practice and Procedure (Chapter 308-08 WAC)

We created a new rule to clarify current agency procedures. The new rule clarifies that initial orders become final if there is no petition for review by the deadline.

Current step

September 17, 2025

New rule adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing on this rulemaking activity on September 16, 2025.

We previously held a public hearing on this rulemaking activity on June 24, 2025.

Fuel tax and proration investigations and appeals

  • Prorate and fuel tax
Completed

Current rule(s)

These rules define the scope of records requests and other investigation requirements for fuel tax licensees. The rules reflect changes to dyed diesel penalties. They allow assessment based on storage capacity and add repeater penalties for violations within a 5-year period. The rules make several technical changes. They remove “informal hearing” for “Review by Department”. They also add an Appeals chapter under aircraft fuel WACs.

Current step

December 26, 2024

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on December 11, 2024.

Cosmetology training requirements for textured hair

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Cosmetologists
In progress

Current rule(s)

Minimum instruction requirements for cosmetology, hair design, barbering, manicuring, esthetics and master esthetics training (WAC 308-20-080)

We're updating existing rules on cosmetology training requirements for textured hair. The updated rule will apply to all cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, and hair designers. They must complete the training before getting licensed.

Current step

September 3, 2025

Rule change proposed

Public hearing or comments

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

Habitual traffic offender probation

  • Driver licensing
    • Hearings
Completed

Current rule(s)

Probation in habitual traffic offender matters (WAC 308-101-240)

We clarified probation guidelines and terms in habitual traffic offender matters.

Current step

July 22, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We held a public hearing for this rulemaking activity on July 8, 2025.

Professional conduct of attorneys during administrative hearings

  • Driver licensing
    • Hearings
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're considering drafting new rules to govern the professional conduct of attorneys appearing before the agency during administrative proceedings.

Current step

July 23, 2025

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

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

Abandoned recreational vehicle (RV) processing

  • Vehicle and boat registration
In progress

Current rule(s)

  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Criteria and required information (WAC 308-61-195)
  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Application and review (WAC 308-61-197)
  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Reimbursements (WAC 308-61-203)
  • Abandoned recreational vehicle - Rates and caps (WAC 308-61-215)

We're considering rulemaking to improve the efficiency of the Abandoned RV program. We want to remove unnecessary barriers for our processing partners.

Current step

July 23, 2025

Intent to change a rule

Public hearing or comments

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

Home inspector standards of practice

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Home inspectors
In progress

Current rule(s)

We're considering rulemaking to update definitions and standards of practice related to home inspectors. The Washington State Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board requested this change.

Current step

August 20, 2025

Intent to change a rule

Public hearing or comments

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

Real estate broker and managing broker licensing fees

  • All business and professional licensing
    • Real estate
Completed

Current rule(s)

Real estate fees (WAC 308-124A-775)

We conducted rulemaking to increase the fees for new and renewed real estate broker and managing broker licenses. The new rule increases the fee from $10 to $20. The purpose of this increase is to fund the Real Estate Research Center.

Current step

August 19, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We conducted 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

Honorary consul plates

  • Vehicle and boat registration
    • License plates
Completed

Current rule(s)

We repealed a rule to align with directives regarding issuance of honorary consul plates. We also amended a rule to make technical corrections to language and references.

Current step

August 6, 2025

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

We conducted 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

Driver training voucher program

  • Driver licensing
    • Driver training
In progress

Current rule(s)

Title 308 WAC - Department of Licensing

We're considering a new rule to create a driver training voucher assistance program. The rule will include student eligibility requirements, provider agreement standards, and reimbursement policies.

Current step

July 23, 2025

Intent to create a new rule

Public hearing or comments

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

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