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

Court reporter exams

All business and professional licensing
- Court reporters

Withdrawn

Current rule(s)

Court reporters (Chapter 308-14 WAC)

Summary

We're withdrawing our rule changes for court reporter exams.

Current step

May 11, 2022

Rule change withdrawn

Public hearing or comments

No public hearing was held.

Temporary rules for online cosmetology training

All business and professional licensing
- Cosmetologists

Emergency rule

Current rule(s)

Definitions (WAC 308-20-010)

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.

Current step

November 19, 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.

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

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

Public hearing held April 25, 2023

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

Cosmetology exam referrals

All business and professional licensing
- Cosmetologists

Completed

Current rule(s)

Student credit for training in a licensed school (Chapter 308-20-090 WAC)

Summary

We removed the requirement for cosmetology schools to refer students for exams. You can now register for or take the exam if you're within 100 hours of completing the required coursework.

Current step

August 8, 2023

Rule change adopted

Adopted rule documents

Public hearing or comments

No public hearing was held.

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.

Business and professional licensing fees

All business and professional licensing

In progress

Current rule(s)

License fees, renewals and requirements (WAC 36-12-195)
License fees, renewals and requirements (WAC 36-13-010)
License fees, renewals and requirements (WAC 36-14-110)
Auctioneer fees (WAC 308-11-030)
Court reporter fees (WAC 308-14-200)
Private investigative agency, private investigator, and armed private investigator fees (WAC 308-17-150)
Private security guard company, private security guard, and armed private security guard fees (WAC 308-18-150)
Bail bond recovery agent, bail bond agency, branch office and bail bond agent fees (WAC 308-19-130)
Fees (WAC 308-20-210)

Fees (WAC 308-22-050)
Employment agency fees (WAC 308-33-105)
Fees (WAC 308-70-130)
Fees (WAC 308-127-160)
Seller of travel registration fees (WAC 308-129-110)
Fees (WAC 308-312-060)
Registration fees (WAC 308-320-050)
Annual renewal dates, forms, and fees (WAC 308-320-060)
Charges and fees (WAC 308-320-070)
Home inspector fees (WAC 308-408A-090)
Fees and charges (WAC 308-420-240)

Summary

We're required to set fees for each professional, occupational, or business licensing program. The fees must be enough to balance the costs of running these programs. Current fees aren't enough to support the identified programs. We're considering fee increases that would start in Summer 2024.

Current step

February 7, 2024

Intent to change a rule

Preproposal documents

Preproposal statement of inquiry

Public hearing or comments

You can take part in the decision to adopt this new rule by emailing us at rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov.

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