Rulemaking

See which rules we're working on now, learn about the rulemaking process, and find out how to participate.

Learn how we make rules

Find out how we create and change rules related to licensing.

Understand the terms we use

Read our rulemaking definitions for the terms we use when working on rules.

See our semiannual rulemaking agenda

Our semiannual rulemaking agenda is the current list of rule changes that we're considering. We update it twice a year.

Comment on a rule

Email RulesCoordinator@dol.wa.gov to comment on a rule.

Request information in an alternative format

If you need audio files of public hearings in a different format, please email RulesCoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

Get email updates

Subscribe to email updates to get the latest rulemaking news in your inbox:

Search rulemaking activity Search rulemaking activity

Filter by title or WAC number

Filter by category

Filter by status

List of rulemaking activity

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)

Summary

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.

Whitewater river outfitter licensing fees

All business and professional licensing
- Whitewater river outfitters

Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees (308-312-060 WAC)

Summary

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the whitewater river outfitter program.

Current step

November 30, 2022

Rule change adopted

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 29, 2022

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes)
Audio transcript

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

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

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held July 28, 2021

Audio transcript

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)

Summary

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

Proposed rule documents

Adopted rule documents

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)

Summary

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

Current step

October 20, 2022

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held October 11, 2022

Remote notarization

All business and professional licensing
- Notaries public

Completed

Current rule(s)

Notaries public (WAC 308-30)

Summary

We're changing our rules to allow licensed Washington notaries to perform remote notarization under SB 5641, a law passed during the 2019 legislative session.

Current step

February 11, 2021

Rule change adopted

Proposed rule documents

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held February 9, 2021

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 12 minutes)
Audio transcript

Timeshare licensing fees

All business and professional licensing
- Timeshares

Completed

Current rule(s)

Timeshare fees (308-127-160 WAC)

Summary

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

Current step

April 27, 2023

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held April 25, 2023

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 3 minutes)

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.