Preproposals

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 181-85 WAC. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 28A.410 RCW. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Provide additional continuing education options for newly established educational interpreter certificate. Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable. Process for Developing New Rule: Agency

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Labor standards for domestic workers. New chapter under Title 296 WAC, Labor and industries, department of. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Title 49 RCW, Labor regulations; and SHB 2355, section 12 (chapter 15, Laws of 2026). Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The purpose of this rule making is to implement SHB 2355, which creates new protections for domestic workers and new compliance r

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updating the application of the fair campaign practices code (code) alternative complaint publication process. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 29B.20.[0]30. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The code provides an alternative method for processing complaints by publication. The method of publication includes sending complaints and responses to the "news media." The code was adopted in

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-550-1050 Hospital services definitions, 182-550-2598 Critical access hospitals (CAHs), 182-550-3800 Rebasing, 182-550-3850 Budget neutrality adjustments and measurement, 182-550-4500 Payment method — Ratio of costs-to-charges (RCC), 182-550-4800 Hospital payment methods — State-administered programs, 182-550-6000 Outpatient hospital services — Conditions of payment and payment methods, and 182-550-7000 Outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) — Genera

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Elections. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 29A.04.611 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SB [2SSB] 6035 (2026) requires county auditors to schedule meetings with federally-recognized tribal governments related to the establishment of voting centers and installation of ballot drop boxes, and other election administration needs as detailed in RCW. Rule making is necessary to clarify

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Elections. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 29A.04.611 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: When a ballot is returned to a Washington state county other than the voter's county of registration, the ballot is forwarded to the county of registration for processing. Rule making is necessary to clarify the steps and deadlines involved in this process for consistency. Other Federal and Sta

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-550-3830 Adjustments to inpatient rates, and 182-550-7550 OPPS payment enhancements; other related rules as appropriate. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: ESSB 6194, chapter 124, Laws of 2026; RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.160 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is amending these rules to align with ESSB 6194 stating that any rural hospital that is loc

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is considering a recommendation to classify the desert striped whipsnake ( Coluber-masticophis-taeniatus-taeniatus ) as state endangered, threatened, or sensitive, as defined under chapters 220-610 and 220-200 WAC. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.013 , 77.04.020 , 77.04.055 , 77.12.020 , and 77.12.047 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What Th

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 434-840 WAC, Address confidentiality program (ACP). Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 40.24 RCW and RCW 26.04.175 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Current rules are outdated and do not reflect actual operating procedures. Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study; and review best practices and audit of current procedures; review limitations of statutory obligations.

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The employment security department (department), leave and care division, is considering rules for the paid family and medical leave (PFML) program to implement changes to the program related to late employer reports and payments, benefit overpayments, and other topics. Additional rules to implement other portions of Title 50A RCW may be considered as necessary. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50A.05.060 . Reasons Why Rules on

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-470 WAC, Quarantine — Agricultural pests. The department of agriculture (department) is considering expanding the boundaries of the Japanese beetle internal quarantine in the southeastern corner of Yakima County and the southwestern corner of Benton County. The department is also considering expanding the quarantine to include additional areas of the state. Additionally, the department is considering the following amendments related to WAC 16-470-710 a

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is reviewing the status for the streaked horn lark ( Eremophila alpestris strigata ), currently classified as endangered, and may amend rules in chapters 220-200 and 220-610 WAC. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.013 , 77.04.055 , 77.12.020 , and 77.12.047 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In preparation for these ru

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Pharmacy personnel examinations and procedures. The pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) is considering amending WAC 246-945-165 and 246-945-205 and adopting new section(s) in chapter 246-945 WAC to establish commission-approved examinations for pharmacy technicians and pharmacists and the process for reexamination as required by RCW 18.64.080 (2). Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005 , 18.64.080 , 18.64A.020

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Central Washington University (CWU) intends to adopt rules amending chapter 106-125 WAC pertaining to the student conduct code. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28B.35.120 and the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rule changes are needed to update and clarify procedures governing CWU's student conduct code. Process for Developing New R

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is planning to amend existing sections and enact new sections in chapter 388-14A WAC regarding abatement of child support for certain incapacitated individuals, to implement sections 4 through 12 of EHB 1014 (chapter 272, Laws of 2025), codified as RCW 26.09.004 , 26.09.170 , 26.09.345 , 26.09.350 , 26.09.355 , 26.23.050 , 74.08.090 , 74.20A.055 , 74.20A.056 , and 74.20A.059 ; and other related rules as may be n

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 308-30 WAC, Notaries public. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 42.45.250 Rules, and HB [SHB] 2158 passed during the 2026 legislative session. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To implement HB [SHB] 2158, the department of licensing must adopt rule changes to allow for new electronic records notary public provisions, as well as prescribe methods for confirming tangible record i

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 308-96A-065 Personalized license plates. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.01.110 Rule-making authority, 46.18.020 Rules, and 46.18.277 Personalized special license plates. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The current language related to cancellation criteria is too broad and can lead to inconsistent interpretation and application. The proposed rule making will clarify and sim

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is reviewing the status for the North American lynx ( Lynx canadensis ), currently classified as endangered, and may amend rules in chapters 220-200 and 220-610 WAC. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.013 , 77.04.055 , 77.12.020 , and 77.12.047 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In preparation for these rule changes, t

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is considering a recommendation to classify the burrowing owl as state endangered, threatened, or sensitive, as defined under chapters 220-610 and 220-200 WAC. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.013 , 77.04.020 , 77.04.055 , 77.12.020 , and 77.12.047 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department was petitioned in 2

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is seeking to update hunting rules to improve their enforceability, and to clarify and amend certain rules so that they are better understood by the public. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.013 , 77.04.020 , 77.04.055 , and 77.12.047 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is seeking amendments for the foll

Subject of Possible Rule Making: This rule making concerns potential changes to current rules in chapter 480-70 WAC applicable to solid waste customer notice rules, including revising customer notice delivery methods to allow electronic customer notices, updating both commission and company suggested language, and providing 45 calendar days' notice to both the utilities and transportation commission (commission) and the public to be consistent with RCW 81.28.050 . Statutes Authorizing the Agency

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Trauma rehabilitation service standards. The department of health (department) is considering amending rules in WAC 246-976-800 to align with national standards and current clinical practice recommendations for inpatient trauma rehabilitation facilities. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.168.050 , 70.168.060 , and 70.168.070 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The national rehabili

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-121-436 Emergency advance payments — School district application, 392-121-438 Emergency advance payments — Approval criteria, and 392-121-443 Emergency advance payments — Repayment of advances. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.150.290 , 28A.510.250 , and 28A.710.220 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is considerin

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-121-570 Vocational indirect cost limit — Applicable code provisions — Purpose — Effective date, 392-121-571 Vocational indirect cost limit — Definitions, 392-121-573 Vocational indirect cost limit — Calculation of minimum program 31 expenditures, 392-122-900 General provision — Indirect cost limitations, carryover limitations, and recoveries, 392-132-010 Authority, 392-132-020 Purposes, 392-132-030 Definitions, 392-132-040 Determining levy capacity transf

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-121-106 Definition — Enrolled student, 392-121-187 Technical college direct-funded enrollment, 392-122-220 State institutional education program — Enrolled institutional education program student, and 392-700-035 Student eligibility. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: SSB 5253 (2025), RCW 28A.150.290 , 28A.150.305 , 28A.175.115 , 28A.300.072 , and 28A.710.040 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Migh

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-123-049 Basis of budgeting and accounting, 392-123-060 Petition to budget receivable collectible in future fiscal periods, 392-123-071 Budget extensions — First-class school districts, 392-123-072 Budget extensions — Second-class school districts, 392-123-076 Identification of balanced budget, 392-123-078 Review of first-class school district budgets and budget extensions, 392-123-079 Review of second-class district budgets and budget extensions, 392-123-

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-122-435 Physical, social, and emotional support (PSES)—Student enrollment, 392-122-440 Physical, social, and emotional support (PSES)—Staff, 392-122-455 Physical, social, and emotional support (PSES)—Penalty for noncompliance, 392-122-500 K-3 class size—Apportionment of state moneys, 392-122-505 K-3 class size—Student enrollments, 392-122-510 K-3 class size—Teachers, 392-122-515 K-3 class size compliance—Supplemental FTE teachers, 392-122-520 K-3 class si

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-121-107 Definition — Course of study. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.44.230 , 28A.150.290 , 28A.545.110 , 28A.710.040 , 84.52.053 , and 84.52.0531 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is considering rule making to update the types of educational programs that meet the definition of a course of study and to clarify

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 132H-142 WAC, Use of college property for expressive activity. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 34.05 RCW and RCW 28B.50.140 (13). Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Bellevue College plans to update the current expressive activities rules. Process for Developing New Rule: Proposed changes are being presented to the campus community for feedback and a public meeting will be

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 182-55 WAC, Health technology assessment program; other related rules as appropriate. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.160 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is revising chapter 182-55 WAC to carry out the requirements of chapter 70, Laws of 2026 (SB 5915). During this review, the agency may identify additional related c

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Port worker membership in the public employees' retirement system. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050 and chapter 133, Laws of 2026. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Implementing chapter 133, Laws of 2026, which exempts port workers from membership in the public employees' retirement system under certain situations. Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making. In

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend WAC 230-15-319 to increase the video retention threshold for jackpot payouts in house-banked card rooms from $3,000 to $5,000, while maintaining the existing 30-day retention requirement. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 9.46.070 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Washington state gambling commission recently received a petition to amend WAC 230-15-320 to increase the priz

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend WAC 230-15-320 to increase the prize threshold from $3,000 to $5,000 for when surveillance rooms are required to use pan-tilt-zoom cameras (PTZ) to verify winning hands, amounts of the wager, amounts of the payout, and players who have won the prize. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 9.46.070 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Higher wager limits of $400 have increased the freq

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) is considering changes to recreational scallop fishery regulations. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.055 , and 77.12.047 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: WDFW is considering risks to harvester safety related to biotoxins in recreationally harvested scallops and may amend rules to mitigate those risks. Other Fe

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updating WAC 139-01-310 to include a new definition for "initial disciplinary decision." Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.101.080 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The term "initial disciplinary decision" is used in state law and Washington state criminal justice training commission (commission) rules regarding when agencies must notify the commission of officer misconduct, but

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 478-124 WAC, General code of conduct for the University of Washington (university). Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28B.20.130 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The university is reviewing its student and general codes of conduct to ensure they are in alignment with each other and consistent with operational practices and legal requirements. Other Federal and State Agencie

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-501-0160 Exception to the rule — Request for noncovered health care service, and 182-501-0165 Medical and dental coverage — Fee-for-services (FFS) prior authorization — Determination process for payment; other related rules as appropriate. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: 42 C.F.R. §§ 440.230 (e)(1) and 457.459 (d)(2); RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.160 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplis

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Title 314 WAC. The Washington state liquor and cannabis board (board) is considering repealing, amending, and creating rule sections as necessary to implement 2SHB 1701 (chapter 196, Laws of 2026), related to liquor licensees leasing use of licensed premises to other liquor licensees. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 66.08.030 , 66.24.010 , and 66.28.295 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accom

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updating medical assistant (MA) credentialing requirements. The department of health (department) is considering rule amendments in chapter 246-827 WAC to update MA credentialing requirements and ensure the rules are current and align with best practices. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.360.030 and 18.360.070 ; SSB 5940 (chapter 217, Laws of 2024), codified in chapter 18.360 RCW. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Need

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-503-0535 Washington apple health — Citizenship and immigration status, and 182-507-0130 Refugee medical assistance (RMA); other related rules as appropriate. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.160 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Effective October 1, 2026, certain previously eligible legal immigrants will become ineligible for federally funded medical ass

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updating and clarifying requirements for reporting campaign finance expenditures. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 29B.20.[0]30 and 29B.25.100 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Current rules do not include specific descriptions for reporting different categories of campaign expenditure activity, including political advertising, among others. Developing standards for reporting expen

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-531A-0500 Applied behavior analysis (ABA)—Stage one: COE evaluation and prescription, 182-531A-0600 Applied behavior analysis (ABA)—Stage two: Functional assessment and treatment plan development, 182-531A-0700 Applied behavior analysis (ABA)—Stage three: Delivery of ABA services, and 182-531A-1100 Applied behavior analysis (ABA)—Prior authorization and recertification of ABA services; other related rules as appropriate. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Washington saves governing board (board) is considering adopting rules to implement Washington saves, chapter 19.05 RCW. Washington saves is a retirement program that will provide voluntary automatic payroll contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA) for persons who do not have a workplace retirement plan. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 19.05 RCW. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What Th

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Physical therapy licensure compact fee increases in WAC 246-915A-990. The department of health (department), in consultation with the board of physical therapy (board), is considering amendments to increase the compact fees. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.510 and 43.70.250 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department, in consultation with the board, sets fees pursuant t

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Continuing education (CE) and renewal requirements for dental hygienists. The department of health (department) in consultation with the dental hygiene examining committee (committee) is considering amending WAC 246-815-140 to clarify CE requirements when dental hygienists renew their license. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.29.210 , 18.29.130 , 18.130.040 , 43.70.040 , and 43.70.613 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may b

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Animal euthanasia training program guidelines. The pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) is considering amending WAC 246-945-503 and establishing new section(s) in chapter 246-945 WAC to establish regulatory requirements for animal euthanasia training programs seeking commission approval. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005 , 69.41.080 , and 69.50.310 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What

Subject of Possible Rule Making: These rules clarify that residents of skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities have the right to an administrative hearing under chapter 182-526 WAC related to transfers or discharges from such facilities and that the health care authority (agency) does not provide an administrative hearing right to residents of adult family homes, assisted living facilities, or enhanced services facilities. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: