Preproposals

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Adopting rules for hospital emergency care, including emergency abortion care, in Washington state. The department of health (department) is considering amendments to WAC 246-320-010 and 246-320-281 and other related rules if appropriate in accordance with recently passed legislation and Directive of the Governor 25-01 to ensure access to treatment, including abortion care, for emergency medical conditions in hospital emergency departments and protection of a pre

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-123-140 Interfund loans allowable. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.150.290 , 28A.710.220 , and 28A.315.221 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The purpose of this amended WAC is to allow school districts in binding conditions to loan money from their transportation vehicle fund (TVF) to their general fund in order to maintain a positive cash flow in their general fund. W

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (department) is considering amending sections in chapter 388-78A WAC, Assisted living facility licensing rules, related to E2SSB 5337 (chapter 187, Laws of 2025) Assisted living facilities — Memory care services. This rule making may result in adopting new sections of rule. The department may amend other related rules as necessary. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.20.090 . Reasons

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules to be added under a new chapter 182-145 WAC, related to the preadmission screening and resident review (PASRR) process; 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 developing new rules relating to behavioral health PASRR requirements for people with mental

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Allopathic physicians (MD) chapter rule review. The Washington medical commission (commission) is considering amending the following rules to modernize language, add clarity, and bring the rules more in line with current practice: WAC 246-919-010 through 246-919-520; and WAC 246-919-602 through 246-919-700. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.71.015 and 18.130.050 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They M

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (department) is planning to amend WAC 388-410-0005 Cash assistance overpayment amount and liability; and other related rules as may be required. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050 , 74.04.055 , 74.04.057 , 74.04.500 , 74.04.510 , 74.08.090 , and 74.08A.120 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Effective July 1, 2025, planned amendmen

Subject of Possible Rule Making: School employee post-retirement restrictions. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 284, Laws of 2025. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Under chapter 284, Laws of 2025, certain school employee postretirement employment restrictions will expire on January 1, 2030, instead of expiring on July 1, 2025. This change affects three pension plans: The teachers' retirement system, the school

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Volunteer firefighter participation in the state deferred compensation program. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 52, Laws of 2025. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of retirement systems needs to do rule making to implement chapter 52, Laws of 2025, regarding volunteer firefighter participation in the state deferred compensation program. Process for Developing New

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Brief adjudicative proceedings (BAP), expanding applicability to new category types including interstate compacts. The department of health (department) is considering amending WAC 246-10-501 and 246-11-420 to add specific categories of hearings eligible for BAP. These amendments are intended to streamline the hearing process while maintaining fairness and due process for applicants across programs regulated by the department and its boards and commissions. Statu

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Reporting and classification amendments. Chapter 296-17 WAC, General reporting rules, audit and recordkeeping, rates and rating system for Washington workers' compensation insurance; and chapter 296-17A WAC, Classifications for Washington workers' compensation insurance. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.16.035 and 51.04.020 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: 2026 Reporting and cl

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The division of child support (DCS) proposes to amend sections in chapter 388-14A WAC to implement section 1 of EHB 1014 (chapter 272, Laws of 2025), as enacted during the 2025 legislative session, and other related rules as may be necessary. Section 1 of EHB 1014 amends RCW 26.19.065 to increase the self-support reserve from 125 percent of the one-person federal poverty guideline to 180 percent. Section 1 also clarifies that although each child is entitled to a

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 181-78A-105; updating WAC language on initial approval of an educator preparation program. 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: The new WAC language will be aligned to the new professional educator standards board educator preparation program approval process. Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study. Interested parties can part

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is considering amending and adding new sections to the following chapters and associated sections: Chapter 388-76 WAC, Adult family home minimum licensing requirements: WAC 388-76-10000 Definitions, 388-76-10164 Background checks — Results — Duty to inform, and 388-76-10161 Background checks — Who is required to have. Chapter 388-78A WAC, Assisted living facility licensing rules: WAC 388-78A-2020 Definitions, 38

Subject of Possible Rule Making: SECURE Act 2.0; Roth catch-up contributions. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: SECURE Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-328). Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Beginning in January 2026, Section 603 of the SECURE Act 2.0 requires participants who are high-wage earners under the Internal Revenue Service wage threshold to make any age 50 plus catch-up contributions on a post-tax basis through Roth inst

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-532-510 Family planning only program — Eligibility; 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 amending this rule to expand eligibility for family planning only coverage to people age 26 and younger who are confidentially seeking those services. The agen

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 110-80 WAC, Adoption support program; and all other related rules. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: 42 U.S.C. § 671-675 and RCW 26.33.340 , 74.13A.020 , 74.13A.030 , 74.13A.040 , 74.13A.045 , 74.13A.047 , 74.13A.060 , 74.13A.075 , 74.13A.084 , 74.13A.100 , and 74.15.020 ; 45 C.F.R. § 1356.40 and RCW 74.13A.020 (1), 74.13.109 , and 74.13.031 ; section 202(8), chapter 371, Laws of 2002; and 42 U.S.C. 671-675. Reasons Why Rules

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 1515, which expands permissible outdoor alcohol service in a variety of ways. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 66.08.030 , 66.24.710 , and 66.98.070 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments to and repeal of existing

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Electrical rules; WAC 296-46B-010 General, 296-46B-334 Nonmetallic-sheathed cable, and 296-46B-942 Training certificate required. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 19.28 RCW, Electricians and electrical installations, including RCW 19.28.031 and 19.28.251 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of labor and industries (L&I) is considering amendments to the electrical ru

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Homeowner recovery program under the contractor registration rule; chapter 296-200A WAC, Contractor certificate of registration renewals — Security — Insurance. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: 2SHB 1534 (chapter 213, Laws of 2023); and chapter 18.27 RCW. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule making considers amendments to the contractor registration rules for new legislation. In 2

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (department) is planning to amend the following WAC sections and other related rules as may be required: WAC 388-400-0030 Who is eligible for refugee cash assistance? and 388-466-0120 Refugee cash assistance (RCA). Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050 , 74.04.055 , 74.04.057 , 74.04.510 , 74.08.090 , 74.08A.120 , and 74.08A.250 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed a

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Classification of previously unclassified species. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.12.047 , 77.04.090 , and 77.04.130 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of fish and wildlife is considering amendments to rules that classify wildlife to further classify previously unclassified species. Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study. Interested parties can

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 468-300-010, 468-300-020, and 468-300-040. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 47.56.030 and 47.60.315 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: As required by law, the Washington state transportation commission (WSTC) will be reviewing the need to adjust ferry fares and policies to meet legal and financial requirements for the 2025-2027 biennium. Other Federal and State Agencies that Reg

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-504-0015 Washington apple health — Certification periods for categorically needy programs, 182-504-0035 Washington apple health — Renewals, and 182-507-0130 Refugee medical assistance; 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 amending its rules to redu

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Election conduct and voter registration maintenance costs. 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: The office of the state auditor's Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) Manual provides guidance to county election offices in allocating costs related to elections and voter registration. This rule making will clarify requirements to

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Classification of chiropractic procedures and instrumentation. The chiropractic quality assurance commission (commission) is considering amending WAC 246-808-505 Classification of chiropractic procedures and instrumentation, to better align the rule language with the statutory language and to modernize and streamline current language. The commission may also consider further amendments based on research and interested party input. Statutes Authorizing the Agency

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Opioid prescribing — General provisions for allopathic physicians (MD) and physician assistants (PA). The Washington medical commission (commission) is considering amending the following opioid prescribing rules to modernize the language, add clarity, and bring the rules more in line with current practice: MD, WAC 246-919-850 through 246-919-985; and PA, WAC 246-918-800 through 246-918-935. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.71

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 192-04-170 Decision of the commissioner — Petition for review — Filing — Reply. The purpose of this rule making is to make the filing requirements for the commissioner's review office (office) consistent among different types of filings. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 34.05.220 , 50.12.010 , 50.12.040 , 50.32.025 , 50.32.070 , and 50.32.080 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: C

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 458-20-241 Radio and television broadcasting. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.04.280 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule provides tax reporting instructions for persons in the radio and television broadcasting industry. It is being amended to update the standard deduction for gross receipts from national, network, and regional advertising. Process for

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Naturopathic physician licensure fees; removing the jurisprudence exam fee from the naturopathic physician licensure fees in WAC 246-836-990. The department of health (department), in consultation with the board of naturopathy (board), is considering removing the jurisprudence examination fee from rule to align with the recent changes to the naturopathic licensure requirements. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.250 . Reason

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 181-78A-100. 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: Update curriculum and instruction; review WAC language. Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Michael Nguyen, 600 Washington Street S

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The securities division is soliciting comments on the possible repeal of WAC 460-42A-030, which exempts certain government issued or guaranteed securities from registration if they receive a high credit rating from Standard and Poor's Corporation, Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or Fitch Ratings, Inc. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 21.20.310 (1) and 21.20.450 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Mig

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (department) is considering amendments to WAC 388-76-10895 Emergency evacuation drills — Frequency and participation. Updates to other related rules may be required. As needed, amendments will also make changes required to improve clarity, update policy, or better align rule language with state and federal law or regulations. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.128.040 . Reasons Why R

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (department) is considering amending the following sections in chapter 388-76 WAC: WAC 388-76-10125 License — May be denied, 388-76-10315 Resident record — Required, 388-76-10320 Resident record — Content, 388-76-10715 Doors — Ability to open, and 388-76-10930 Plan of correction (POC) — Required. This rule making may result in adopting new sections of rule. Updates to other related rules may be required. As needed, ame

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 314-02-045. The Washington state liquor and cannabis board (LCB) is considering amending WAC 314-02-045 and any other sections of Title 314 WAC as may be necessary to reduce the amount of time a beer and/or wine restaurant licensee must be open to the public to maintain their license. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 66.08.030 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In December 2024,

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules for accountable communities of health (ACHs). Community care hubs to be added under new chapter 182-565 WAC, Health-related social needs; other related rules as appropriate. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021 (1)(m)(iv) and 41.05.160 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is developing rules for ACHs to establish community care hubs provi

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Online insurance submittal for registered contractors and licensed plumbing contractors. WAC 296-200A-025 How does a contractor register, renew, reregister or reinstate its registrations?, 296-200A-060 What procedures must be followed when surety bonds and/or insurance policies are canceled?, 296-400A-011 How does a plumbing contractor become licensed, renew, and reinstate their license?, and 296-400A-016 What procedures must be followed when surety bonds and/or

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 495A-400 WAC, Student code of conduct. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28B.50.140 (13). Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In January 2025, Bates Technical College (college) amended its student conduct code to come into compliance with the Title IX regulations adopted by the United States Department of Education (ED) in 2024. The 2024 Title IX regulations were subsequently va

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 196-25 WAC, Business practices. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.43.035 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments are needed to clarify requirements at the time of initial certificate of authorization application and renewal. Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making; and notice will be made to stakeholders and active licensees via the board of registrat

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of fish and wildlife (department) is considering rule making for recreational fishing to address conservation objectives and harvest opportunities that may include the closure of a portion of the Cle Elum River. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.055 , 77.12.047 , and 77.04.020 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amendments

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 392-190 WAC regarding nondiscrimination and equal educational opportunity. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.640.020 and 28A.642.020 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In accordance with RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 , discrimination in Washington K–12 public schools on the basis of sex; race; creed; religion; color; national origin; honorably discharged veteran or mili

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revising rule language regarding certain situations involving domestic partnerships. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To provide clarification regarding situations where members are in domestic partnerships, retire, then marry their domestic partner and want to change their benefit option. Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 181-85-033. 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: Amend WAC to add clock hour equivalents for review team and professional educator advisory board members. Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by c

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 181-78A-100 and 181-78A-225. 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: Updating list of standards school counselor programs are reviewed on and update missing language regarding curriculum and instruction review. Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and for

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 110-730 WAC, Placement of juvenile offenders committed to the juvenile rehabilitation administration (JRA); and other related rules. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 13.40 RCW, Juvenile Justice Act of 1977. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The juvenile rehabilitation division (JRD) is updating the process to assign security classifications to youth in juvenile rehabilita

Subject of Possible Rule Making: To bring Cascadia College's (Cascadia) supplemental sex discrimination student conduct code and procedures into compliance with 2020 amendments to the Title IX regulations. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28B.50.140 (13). Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In April 2024, the Department of Education issued a final rule amending the Title IX regulations. Cascadia implemented rules in c

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revising WAC 139-12-020 to add and update definitions. Revising WAC 139-12-030 to add clarification, updates, and references to independent investigation criteria. Splitting up WAC 139-12-030 into new sections. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.101.080 and 43.101.455 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rule changes will provide clarity for those conducting, reviewing, or asse

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The division of child support (DCS) is proposing to amend or add new sections in chapter 388-14A WAC to implement HB 1262 as enacted during the 2023 legislative session (chapter 248, Laws of 2023). HB 1262 establishes a requirement that employers report lump sum payments over $500 if there is an income withholding order in place for the paying parent that includes child support arrears. This gives DCS time to send an income withholding order to collect from the l