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.

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

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List of rulemaking activity

Scrap metal business licensing fees

All business and professional licensing
- Scrap metal

Completed

Current rule(s)

Fees (Chapter 308-70-130 WAC)

Summary

We're increasing our fees to cover the costs of running the scrap metal business 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

Limousine vehicle requirements

All business and professional licensing
- Limousines

Completed

Current rule(s)

Definitions (308-83-10 WAC)

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

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held April 4, 2023

Public hearing audio
(mp3 format: 15 minutes)
Audio transcript

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

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

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held July 28, 2021

Audio transcript

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

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.

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

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held November 22, 2022

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

Expiration dates for cosmetology student hours

All business and professional licensing
- Cosmetologists

Emergency rule

Current rule(s)

Student credit for training in a licensed school (WAC 308-20-090); Student credit for training in a licensed salon/shop (WAC 308-20-091); Apprentice credit for training in an approved apprentice salon/shop (WAC 308-20-101)

Summary

If your cosmetology student hours would expire between March 18, 2020 and September 30, 2020, they will instead expire on September 30, 2020. This will allow you to take the test before your hours expire.

Current step

July 31, 2020

Rule change adopted

Proposed rule documents

Proposed rule

Adopted rule documents

Emergency rulemaking order

Public hearing or comments

See the emergency rulemaking order for information about submitting comments.

Temporary rules for online cosmetology training

All business and professional licensing
- Cosmetologists

Emergency rule

Current rule(s)

Definitions (WAC 308-20-010)

Summary

We're temporarily allowing cosmetology schools to offer up to 75% of their training online, up from 50%. This change will give schools more flexibility to safely accommodate students and staff during COVID-19.