title: RCW 18.92.130

text:
Any person who has been lawfully licensed to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry in another state or territory which has and maintains a standard for the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry which is substantially the same as that maintained in this state, and who has been lawfully and continuously engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry for two years or more immediately before filing his or her application to practice in this state and who shall submit to the secretary a duly attested certificate from the examining board of the state or territory in which he or she is registered, certifying to the fact of his or her registration and of his or her being a person of good moral character and of professional attainments, may upon the payment of the fee as provided herein, be granted a license to practice veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry in this state, without being required to take an examination: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no license shall be issued to any applicant, unless the state or territory from which such certificate has been granted to such applicant shall have extended a like privilege to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry within its own borders to veterinarians heretofore and hereafter licensed by this state, and removing to such other state: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That the secretary of health shall have power to enter into reciprocal relations with other states whose requirements are substantially the same as those provided herein. The board shall make recommendations to the secretary upon all requests for reciprocity.
[ 1991 c 3 s 246; 1959 c 92 s 10; 1941 c 71 s 12; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-12.]

catchline: License—Reciprocity with other states—Fee.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 18.92.135

text:
(1) The department may issue a license to practice specialized veterinary medicine in this state to a veterinarian who:
(a) Submits an application on a form provided by the secretary for a license in a specialty area recognized by the board by rule;
(b) Holds a current certification as a diplomate of a national specialty board or college recognized by the board by rule in the specialty area for which application is submitted;
(c) Is not subject to license investigation, suspension, revocation, or other disciplinary action in any state, United States territory, or province of Canada;
(d) Has successfully completed an examination established by the board regarding this state's laws and rules regulating the practice of veterinary medicine; and
(e) Provides other information and verification required by the board.
(2) A veterinarian licensed to practice specialized veterinary medicine shall not practice outside his or her licensed specialty unless he or she meets licensing requirements established for practicing veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry under RCW 18.92.070 and 18.92.100.
(3) The board shall determine by rule the limits of the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry represented by a license to practice specialized veterinary medicine.
(4) The board may deny, revoke, suspend, or modify a license to practice specialized veterinary medicine if the national specialty board or college certifying the licensee denies, revokes, suspends, modifies, withdraws, or otherwise limits the certification or if the certification expires.
[ 1991 c 332 s 41.]
Notes:
Captions not law—1991 c 332: See note following RCW 18.130.010.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: License to practice specialized veterinary medicine.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 18.92.140

text:
Each person now qualified to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry, licensed as a veterinary technician, or registered as a veterinary medication clerk in this state or who becomes licensed or registered to engage in practice shall comply with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees determined as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
[ 2007 c 235 s 6; 2000 c 93 s 13; 1996 c 191 s 79; 1993 c 78 s 6; 1991 c 3 s 247; 1985 c 7 s 72; 1983 c 102 s 6; 1941 c 71 s 16; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-16. FORMER PARTS OF SECTION: (i) 1941 c 71 s 17; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-17, now codified as RCW 18.92.142. (ii) 1941 c 71 s 19, part; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-19, part, now codified as RCW 18.92.145.]

catchline: License—Procedures, requirements, fees.


title: RCW 18.92.145

text:
Administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees shall be established as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280 for the issuance, renewal, or administration of the following licenses, certificates of registration, permits, duplicate licenses, renewals, or examination:
(1) For a license to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry issued upon an examination given by the examining board;
(2) For a license to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry issued upon the basis of a license issued in another state;
(3) For a license as a veterinary technician;
(4) For a certificate of registration as a veterinary medication clerk;
(5) For a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry. The temporary permit fee shall be accompanied by the full amount of the examination fee; and
(6) For a license to practice specialized veterinary medicine.
[ 2007 c 235 s 7; 2000 c 93 s 14; 1996 c 191 s 80; 1993 c 78 s 7; 1991 c 332 s 42; 1991 c 3 s 248; 1985 c 7 s 73; 1983 c 102 s 7; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 84; 1971 ex.s. c 266 s 20; 1967 ex.s. c 50 s 9; 1959 c 92 s 12; 1941 c 71 s 19; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-19. Prior: 1907 c 124 ss 9, 10. Formerly RCW 18.92.090 and 18.92.140.]
Notes:
Captions not law—1991 c 332: See note following RCW 18.130.010.

catchline: License, certificates of registration, permit, examination, and renewal fees.


title: RCW 18.92.150

text:
Every person holding a license under the provisions of this chapter shall conspicuously display it in his or her principal place of business, together with the annual renewal license certificate.
[ 2011 c 336 s 500; 1941 c 71 s 18; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-18.]

catchline: License—Display.


title: RCW 18.92.230

text:
Any person filing or attempting to file, as his or her own, the diploma or license of another is guilty of forgery under RCW 9A.60.020.
[ 2003 c 53 s 139; 1941 c 71 s 23; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-23.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Forgery: RCW 9A.60.020.

catchline: Use of another's license or diploma a felony.


title: RCW 18.92.240

text:
Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, or of any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto, shall constitute a misdemeanor and punishable by fine of not less than fifty dollars.
[ 1941 c 71 s 24; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 10040-24.]

catchline: Violations generally—Penalty.


title: RCW 18.92.250

text:
The legislature recognizes that low-income households may not receive needed veterinary services for household pets. It is the intent of the legislature to allow qualified animal control agencies and humane societies to provide veterinary services to low-income members of our communities. It is not the intent of the legislature to allow these agencies to provide veterinary services to the public at large.
[ 2019 c 142 s 1; 2002 c 157 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 157: "This act takes effect July 1, 2003." [ 2002 c 157 s 3.]


title: RCW 18.92.260

text:
(1)(a) Subject to the limitations in this section, animal care and control agencies as defined in RCW 16.52.011 and nonprofit humane societies, that have qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code may provide veterinary services to animals owned by qualified low-income households. A veterinarian or veterinary technician acting within his or her scope of practice must perform the veterinary services. For purposes of this section, "low-income household" means the same as in RCW 43.185A.010.
(b) Animal control agencies and nonprofit humane societies, receiving any animals on an emergency basis, may provide emergency care where there is an unexpected, serious occurrence or situation that urgently requires prompt action in order to prevent an animal's death or permanent injury of the animal.
(c) Animal control agencies and nonprofit humane societies may provide veterinary care for sick animals up to thirty days postadoption.
(d) Any local ordinance addressing the needs under this section that was approved by the voters and is in effect on July 1, 2003, remains in effect.
(2) Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary medication clerks employed at these facilities must be licensed under this chapter. No officer, director, supervisor, or any other individual associated with an animal care or control agency or nonprofit humane society owning and operating a veterinary medical facility may impose any terms or conditions of employment or direct or attempt to direct an employed veterinarian in any way that interferes with the free exercise of the veterinarian's professional judgment or infringes upon the utilization of his or her professional skills.
(3) Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary medication clerks, and animal control agencies and humane societies acting under this section shall, for purposes of providing the veterinary services, meet the requirements established under this chapter and are subject to the rules adopted by the veterinary board of governors in the same fashion as any licensed veterinarian or veterinary medical facility in the state.
(4) The Washington state veterinary board of governors shall adopt rules to:
(a) Establish registration and registration renewal requirements;
(b) Govern the purchase and use of drugs for the veterinary services authorized under this section;
(c) Establish annual reporting requirements that demonstrate the animal care and control facilities and nonprofit humane societies are serving only low-income households as defined in RCW 43.185A.010; and
(d) Ensure that agencies and societies are in compliance with this section.
(5) The veterinary medical service authority granted by registration under this section may be denied, suspended, revoked, or conditioned by a determination of the board of governors for any act of noncompliance with this chapter. The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs unregistered operation, the issuance and denial of registrations, and the discipline of registrants under this section.
(6) No animal control agency or humane society may operate under this chapter without registering with the department. An application for registration shall be made upon forms provided by the department and shall include the information the department reasonably requires, as provided by RCW 43.70.280. The department shall establish registration and renewal fees as provided by RCW 43.70.250. A registration fee shall accompany each application for registration or renewal.
[ 2019 c 142 s 2; 2002 c 157 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 157: See note following RCW 18.92.250.

catchline: Animal care societies/nonprofit humane societies—Low-income households—License required—Rule-making authority—Uniform disciplinary act—Registration—Fees.


title: RCW 18.92.270

text:
(1) A higher education facility that receives public money, including tax exempt status, or a facility that provides research in collaboration with a higher education facility, that utilizes dogs or cats for scientific, educational, or research purposes, upon conclusion of a dog or cat's use for scientific, educational, or research purposes shall:
(a) Have the facility's attending veterinarian or designee assess the health of the dog or cat and determine if the dog or cat is suitable for adoption, consistent with guidelines promulgated by the American veterinary medical association; and
(b) Make reasonable efforts to offer the dog or cat for adoption, when the dog or cat is deemed suitable for adoption, through the facility's own adoption program or through an animal care and control agency or an animal rescue group as defined in RCW 82.04.040. A facility that offers dogs or cats for adoption to an animal care and control agency or an animal rescue group under this section may enter into an agreement to facilitate adoptions.
(2) Nothing in this section shall:
(a) Create a duty upon an animal care and control agency or an animal rescue group to accept a dog or cat offered for adoption by a research facility; or
(b) Prohibit a facility from completing scientific research or educational use prior to making a suitability for adoption determination.
(3) A research facility that provides a dog or cat for adoption pursuant to this section is immune from any civil liability for acts or omissions relating to the adoption of a dog or cat pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, other than acts constituting willful or wanton misconduct.
[ 2019 c 184 s 1.]
Notes:
Short title—2019 c 184: "This act may be known and cited as the homes for animal heroes act." [ 2019 c 184 s 2.]

catchline: Higher education facilities—Dogs and cats used for research—Adoption.


title: RCW 18.92.280

text:
(1) The board, in consultation with the University of Washington's forefront suicide prevention center of excellence and affected professional associations, shall develop a suicide prevention training program for veterinarians and veterinary technicians by June 30, 2022. The program must:
(a) Recognize that veterinarians treat animal patients and have limited interaction with animal patient owners;
(b) Focus on mental health and well-being;
(c) Include general content on suicide risk, prevention, and resourcing, and specific content on imminent harm by lethal means; and
(d) Be three hours in length.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2022, all veterinarians and veterinary technicians shall complete the training program developed by the board. The training must be completed during the first full continuing education reporting period after July 1, 2022, or during the first full continuing education reporting period after initial licensure, whichever is later. The board may exempt any veterinarian or veterinary technician who completed training substantially equivalent to the training developed under subsection (1) of this section in the three years prior to July 1, 2022.
(3) The hours spent completing training under this section count toward meeting any applicable continuing education requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
(4) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
[ 2020 c 229 s 2.]

catchline: Suicide prevention training program—Required education.


title: RCW 18.92.290

text:
(1) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship is the basis for interaction between veterinarians and their clients and patients. A veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists when all of the following conditions have been met:
(a) The veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal and need for medical treatment, and the client has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian;
(b) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate, at a minimum, a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical conditions of the animal. To establish this knowledge, the veterinarian must:
(i) Have physically examined the animal within the last year, or sooner if medically appropriate. In cases where a veterinarian cannot physically examine the animal, such knowledge may be established using telehealth when:
(A) The animal cannot access clinical veterinary care due to substantial challenges including, but not limited to, substantial transportation challenges for the client or animal or the unavailability of in-person appointments for a significant amount of time; or
(B) The animal has an urgent condition that could result in suffering, and it is not medically reasonable for the veterinarian or client to delay care;
(ii) In cases involving operations with several animals, such as encountered at farms, laboratories, or in shelters, be personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animals by virtue of an examination of the animals or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animals are kept; and
(iii) In cases where a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established through (b)(i)(A) or (B) of this subsection:
(A) Enter in the medical record detailed information regarding the nature of the substantial challenge or urgent condition that generated the need for every such telehealth consultation; and
(B) Refrain from treating that animal for a period exceeding one year following the initial consultation unless that animal has had a physical examination during that year by a veterinarian licensed pursuant to this chapter. Evidence of the physical examination must be noted in the records of the veterinarian that is treating the animal pursuant to (b)(i)(A) or (B) of this subsection; and
(c) The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for emergency coverage and continuing care and treatment.
(2) Once a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established, ongoing care may be provided via telemedicine; however, it is the responsibility of the examining veterinarian to determine if an additional physical examination is medically appropriate based on available information regardless of when the last physical examination was performed.
(3) Once a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established, the relationship extends to all veterinarians employed or practicing at the same premises or same mobile practice entity as the veterinarian who established the most current veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The veterinarian-client-patient relationship may not be extended to other veterinarians based solely on the accessibility of the medical records.
(4) In the absence of an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship, allowable telehealth services are limited to the following:
(a) Teleadvice;
(b) Teletriage in an emergency situation. A licensed veterinarian who in good faith engages in the practice of veterinary medicine by rendering or attempting to render emergency care to a patient when a client cannot be identified, or where a veterinarian-client-patient relationship is not established, is not subject to discipline based solely on the veterinarian's inability to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship;
(c) Telemedicine for the purpose of prescribing sedation, other than a controlled substance, prior to an in-person visit, to facilitate transportation to, examination by, or treatment by a veterinarian, or as provided in subsection (5)(d) of this section;
(d) Dispensing drugs prescribed by another veterinarian licensed under this chapter, in compliance with RCW 18.92.012, if:
(i) Failure to dispense the drug could interrupt a therapeutic regimen or cause a patient to suffer; and
(ii) The prescribing veterinarian has ascertained information necessary to fill the requested prescription; and
(e) Poison control services.
(5) A veterinarian providing care for animal patients under the telehealth exceptions for subsection (1)(b)(i) of this section:
(a) May deny treatment because in their medical opinion a physical examination is necessary to adequately diagnose, prognose, and prescribe adequate care for the patient;
(b) Must be licensed as a veterinarian in the state of Washington;
(c) Must, to the extent practicable, have or establish an association with practices that are registered in the state of Washington to which the patient can be referred for an in-person examination;
(d) Must notify the client that prescription drugs or medications may be available at a pharmacy and, if requested, the veterinarian must submit a prescription to a pharmacy that the client chooses;
(e) Must provide the client with the veterinarian's identity and clinic address; and
(f) Must encourage the owner of the animal or the qualified individual to schedule an in-person follow-up examination of the animal to occur not later than 90 days after the date of the examination through telehealth if the veterinarian, the owner of the animal, or the qualified individual has concerns about the animal's health that cannot be addressed through telehealth.
(6) Once a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established, all forms of telehealth may be used at the discretion of the veterinarian.
(7) The veterinarian-client-patient relationship may be terminated under the following conditions:
(a) The termination does not constitute patient abandonment as described in board rules;
(b) If there is an ongoing medical or surgical condition, the client is offered a patient referral at the time of termination to another veterinarian for diagnosis, care, and treatment; or
(c) Clients may terminate the veterinarian-client-patient relationship at any time.
(8) For animals or animal products used in commercial operations, including food consumption, medical testing, and livestock commercial breeding:
(a) There must be a written agreement between the client and a veterinarian of record who is accountable for drug use and treatments administered to the animals on the commercial operation;
(b) The veterinarian of record is the responsible party for providing appropriate oversight of drug use on the commercial operation. Oversight includes establishment of diagnostic and treatment protocols, training of personnel, review of treatment records, monitoring drug inventories, assuring appropriate labeling of drugs, monitoring compliance and outcomes, and, in cases where telehealth is used in between in-person exams, at least one annual in-person visit following an initial in-person examination of the commercial operation where the animals are kept. Veterinary oversight of drug use must include all drugs used on the commercial operation regardless of the distribution of the drugs to the client;
(c) Provision of drugs or drug prescriptions must be for specific time frames appropriate to the scope and type of operation involved and only for the management groups within the operation that the veterinarian of record has direct involvement and oversight;
(d) A veterinarian issuing a veterinary feed directive must comply with applicable federal laws and regulations, including 21 C.F.R. 558.6.
(9) Medical records must be maintained pursuant to board rules.
(10)(a) A veterinarian may use or prescribe drugs only within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship except as outlined in subsection (4) of this section. Veterinary prescription drugs may only be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian and in compliance with federal law, as required under 21 U.S.C. Sec. 353(f), federal regulations, as required under 21 C.F.R. 530.3(i), and RCW 18.92.012.
(b) A veterinarian providing care through telehealth may not prescribe a drug to the animal patient for a period longer than three months from the date of issuing a prescription unless a veterinarian has examined the animal patient in person. The veterinarian may not issue another prescription to the animal patient for the same drug unless they have conducted an in-person examination of the animal patient.
(c) A veterinarian providing care through telehealth may not prescribe an antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory drug to the animal patient for a period longer than 14 days of treatment. The veterinarian may not issue any further antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory drug prescription, including a refill, to treat the condition of the animal patient unless the veterinarian has conducted an in-person examination of the animal patient.
(11) A veterinarian providing care for patients using telehealth shall inform the client about the use and potential limitations of telehealth and obtain consent from the client to use telehealth, including acknowledgment of all of the following:
(a) The same standards of care apply to veterinary medicine services via telehealth and in-person veterinary medical services;
(b) The client has the option to choose an in-person visit from a veterinarian at any time; and
(c) The client has been advised how to receive follow-up care or assistance in the event of failure to respond or declining clinical condition; or of an adverse reaction to the treatment; or in the event of an inability to communicate resulting from technological or equipment failure or failure to be able to reconnect for a follow-up conversation.
(12) A veterinarian who practices veterinary medicine through telehealth must do all of the following:
(a) Certify with the board of at least 14 days, with a minimum of 105 total hours, a year of practice in a clinic setting with hands-on animal experience unless telehealth medicine is less than 90 percent of the veterinarian's annual practice, unless the veterinarian has over 20 years of practicing veterinary experience. Hands-on animal experience in a clinic setting includes but is not limited to volunteering at clinics, animal shelters, or emergency facilities. The board may exempt individual veterinarians otherwise precluded from in-person practice from the requirements of this subsection;
(b) Ensure that the technology, method, and equipment used to provide veterinary medicine services through telehealth complies with all current applicable privacy protection laws;
(c) Have historical knowledge of the animal patient by obtaining, if available, and reviewing the animal patient's relevant medical history, and, if available, medical records including any diagnostic data. If medical records exist from a previous in-person visit and are in possession of the client, the client may transmit those records, including any diagnostic data contained therein, to the veterinarian electronically;
(d) Employ sound professional judgment to determine whether using telehealth is an appropriate alternative method from in-person evaluation for delivering medical advice or treatment to the animal patient and providing quality of care consistent with prevailing veterinary medical practice;
(e) As required by subsection (5)(c) of this section, be familiar with available medical resources, including emergency resources near the animal patient's location, be able to provide the client with a list of nearby veterinarians who may be able to see the animal patient in person upon the request of the client, and keep, maintain, and make available a summary of the animal patient record;
(f) Provide the client with the veterinarian's name, contact information, and license number that has undertaken the telehealth appointment;
(g) Secure an alternative means of contacting the client if the electronic means is interrupted; and
(h) Not claim to be a specialist unless the veterinarian is certified in such specialty by a board recognized by the American veterinary medical association.
[ 2026 c 202 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 202: "This act takes effect July 1, 2027." [ 2026 c 202 s 3.]

catchline: Veterinarian-client-patient relationship. (Effective July 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 18.96.010

text:
In order to safeguard human health and property, and to promote the public welfare, any person in either public or private capacity practicing or offering to practice landscape architecture for hire shall be required to submit evidence that he or she is qualified so to practice and shall be licensed under the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2009 c 370 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 1.]
Notes:
Finding—2009 c 370: "The legislature finds that in order to safeguard life, health, and property and to promote public welfare, it is necessary to regulate the practice of landscape architecture, based on the first action taken to regulate the profession in 1969, and subsequent review in year 1988 along with review and revisions in 2009." [ 2009 c 370 s 1.]
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: "Sections 1 through 16, 18, 20, and 21 of this act take effect July 1, 2010." [ 2009 c 370 s 24.]

catchline: Evidence of qualifications required.


title: RCW 18.96.020

text:
(1) It is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice in this state, landscape architecture, or to use in connection with his or her name or otherwise assume, use, or advertise any title or description including the phrases "landscape architect," "landscape architecture," "landscape architectural," or language tending to imply that he or she is a landscape architect, unless the person is licensed or authorized to practice in the state of Washington under this chapter.
(2) A person may use the title "intern landscape architect" after graduation from an accredited degree program in landscape architecture and working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.
(3) This section does not affect the use of the phrases "landscape architect," "landscape architecture," or "landscape architectural" where a person does not practice or offer to practice landscape architecture.
[ 2009 c 370 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.

catchline: Use of titles, descriptions, and phrases—License or authorization required.


title: RCW 18.96.030

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Administration of the construction contract" means the periodic observation of materials and work to observe the general compliance with the construction contract documents, and does not include responsibility for supervising construction methods and processes, site conditions, equipment operations, personnel, or safety on the worksite.
(2) "Board" means the state board of licensure for landscape architects.
(3) "Certificate of licensure" means the certificate issued by the director to newly licensed landscape architects.
(4) "Department" means the department of licensing.
(5) "Design" means the conceiving, planning, delineation, siting, and arrangement of natural and built features. Where applied to the discussion of structures or utility systems, design does not include the act of engineering such features.
(6) "Director" means the director of licensing.
(7) "Engineer" means an individual who is registered as an engineer under chapter 18.43 RCW.
(8) "Engineering" means the "practice of engineering" as defined in RCW 18.43.020.
(9) "Landscape architect" means an individual who engages in the practice of landscape architecture.
(10) "Landscape architecture" means the rendering of professional services in connection with consultations, investigations, reconnaissance, research, planning, design, construction document preparation, construction administration, or teaching supervision in connection with the development of land areas where, and to the extent that, the dominant purpose of such services is the preservation, enhancement, or determination of proper land uses, natural land features, ground cover and planting, naturalistic and aesthetic values, the settings and approaches to structures or other improvements, or natural drainage and erosion control. This practice includes the location, design, and arrangement of such tangible objects as pools, walls, steps, trellises, canopies, and such features as are incidental and necessary to the purposes in this chapter. Landscape architecture involves the design and arrangement of land forms and the development of outdoor space including, but not limited to, the design of public parks, trails, playgrounds, cemeteries, home and school grounds, and the development of industrial and recreational sites.
(11) "Licensed" means holding a currently valid certificate of licensure issued by the director authorizing the practice of landscape architecture.
(12) "Person" means any individual, partnership, professional service corporation, corporation, joint stock association, joint venture, or any other entity authorized to do business in the state.
(13) "Practice of landscape architecture" means the rendering of services where landscape architectural education, training, experience, and the application of mathematical, physical, and social science principles are applied in consultation, evaluation, planning, design including, but not limited to, the preparation and filing of plans, drawings, specifications, and other contract documents, and administration of contracts relative to projects principally directed at the functional and aesthetic use and preservation of land.
[ 2009 c 370 s 4; 1979 c 158 s 73; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 18.96.040

text:
(1)(a) There is created a licensure board for landscape architects consisting of five members appointed by the governor.
(b) Four members shall be licensed landscape architects who are residents of the state and have at least eight years' experience in the practice of landscape architecture as registered or licensed landscape architects in responsible charge of landscape architectural work or responsible charge of landscape architectural teaching. One member shall be a public member, who is not and has never been a registered or licensed landscape architect and who does not employ and is not employed by or professionally or financially associated with a landscape architect.
(c) The term of each newly appointed member shall be six years.
(2)(a) Every member of the board shall receive a certificate of appointment from the governor. On the expiration of the term of each member, the governor shall appoint a successor to serve for a term of six years or until the next successor has been appointed.
(b) The governor may remove any member of the board for cause. Vacancies in the board for any reason shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.
(3) The board shall elect a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary. The secretary may delegate his or her authority to the executive director.
(4) Members of the board shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
[ 2011 c 336 s 501; 2009 c 370 s 5; 1993 c 35 s 1; 1985 c 18 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Effective date—1985 c 18: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on June 30, 1985." [ 1985 c 18 s 6.]

catchline: Licensure board for landscape architects—Members—Qualifications.


title: RCW 18.96.060

text:
(1) The board may adopt such rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as are necessary for the proper performance of its duties under this chapter.
(2) The director may employ an executive director subject to approval of the board.
[ 2009 c 370 s 6; 2002 c 86 s 234; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Effective dates—2002 c 86: See note following RCW 18.08.340.
Part headings not law—Severability—2002 c 86: See RCW 18.235.902 and 18.235.903.

catchline: Board—Adoption of rules—Executive director.


title: RCW 18.96.070

text:
This section establishes the minimum evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is qualified for licensure as a professional landscape architect.
(1) A certificate of licensure shall be granted by the director to all qualified applicants who are certified by the board as having passed the required examination and as having given satisfactory proof of completion of the required education and work experience.
(2) An applicant for licensure as a landscape architect shall be of a good moral character, at least eighteen years of age, and shall possess one of the following qualifications:
(a) Have a professional landscape architectural degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the national landscape architecture accreditation board, or an equivalent degree in landscape architecture as determined by the board, and three years of practical landscape architectural work experience under the supervision of a registered or licensed landscape architect; or
(b) Have a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years' practical landscape architectural work experience, which may include landscape design as a principal activity and postsecondary education approved by the board. At least six years of work experience must be under the direct supervision of a registered or licensed landscape architect. An applicant may receive up to two years of practical landscape architectural work experience for postsecondary education courses in landscape architecture, landscape architectural technology, or a related field, including courses in a community or technical college, if the courses are equivalent to education courses in an accredited landscape architectural degree program.
[ 2009 c 370 s 7; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.

catchline: Qualifications of applicants.


title: RCW 18.96.080

text:
(1) Application for licensure shall be filed with the board as provided by rule.
(2) The application for examination shall be filed with the board as prescribed by rule.
(3) The application and examination fees shall be determined by the director under RCW 43.24.086.
[ 2009 c 370 s 8; 1993 c 35 s 2; 1985 c 7 s 74; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 85; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.

catchline: Applications for licensure and examinations—Fees.


title: RCW 18.96.090

text:
(1) Examinations of landscape architects for certificates of licensure shall be held at least annually at such time and place as the board determines.
(2) The board shall determine the content, scope, and grading process of the examination. The board may adopt an appropriate national examination and grading procedure.
(3) Applicants who fail to pass any section of the examination shall be permitted to retake the parts failed as prescribed by the board. If the entire examination is not successfully completed within five years, a retake of the entire examination is required.
(4) Applicants for licensure may begin taking the examination upon graduating from an accredited landscape architecture program if the applicant is employed under the supervision of a registered or licensed landscape architect.
(5) The director shall issue a certificate of licensure to qualified applicants as provided in RCW 18.96.150.
[ 2009 c 370 s 9; 1993 c 35 s 3; 1985 c 18 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Effective date—1985 c 18: See note following RCW 18.96.040.

catchline: Examinations.


title: RCW 18.96.100

text:
(1) The director may, upon receipt of the current licensure fee, grant a certificate of licensure to an applicant who is a licensed landscape architect in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or another country, if that individual's qualifications and experience are determined by the board to be equivalent to the qualifications and experience required of a person licensed under RCW 18.96.070.
(2) A landscape architect licensed or registered in any other jurisdiction recognized by the board may offer to practice landscape architecture in this state if:
(a) It is clearly and prominently stated in any such offer that the landscape architect is not licensed to practice landscape architecture in Washington state; and
(b) Before practicing landscape architecture or signing a contract to provide landscape architectural services, the landscape architect obtains a certificate of licensure.
[ 2009 c 370 s 10; 1993 c 35 s 4; 1985 c 7 s 75; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 86; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.

catchline: Reciprocity.


title: RCW 18.96.110

text:
(1) The renewal dates and fees for certificates of licensure shall be set by the director in accordance with RCW 43.24.086. Licensees who fail to pay the renewal fee within thirty days of the due date shall pay all delinquent fees plus a penalty fee equal to one-third of the renewal fee. A licensee who fails to pay a renewal fee for a period of five years may be reinstated under such circumstances as the board determines.
(2) Any licensee in good standing may withdraw from the practice of landscape architecture by giving written notice to the director, and may within five years thereafter resume active practice upon payment of the then-current renewal fee. A licensee may be reinstated after a withdrawal of more than five years under such circumstances as the board determines.
(3) A licensed landscape architect must demonstrate continuing professional education activities since the landscape architect's last renewal or initial licensure, as the case may be; the board shall by rule describe the professional development activities required by the board. The board may decline to renew a license if the landscape architect's continuing professional education activities do not meet the standards in the board's rules. In the application of this subsection, the board shall strive to ensure that rules are consistent with the continuing professional education requirements in use by the national professional organizations representing landscape architects and in use by other cohort states. Cohort states are those other United States determined by the board to be comparable to Washington in natural factors and landscape architecture licensure.
[ 2009 c 370 s 11; 1993 c 35 s 5. Prior: 1985 c 18 s 3; 1985 c 7 s 76; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 87; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 11.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Effective date—1985 c 18: See note following RCW 18.96.040.

catchline: Renewals.


title: RCW 18.96.120

text:
The board may impose any action in RCW 18.235.110 upon the following grounds:
(1) Offering to pay, paying, or accepting, either directly or indirectly, any substantial gift, bribe, or other consideration to influence the award of professional work;
(2) Being willfully untruthful or deceptive in any professional report, statement, or testimony;
(3) Having a financial interest in the bidding for or the performance of a contract to supply labor or materials for or to construct a project for which employed or retained as a landscape architect except with the consent of the client or employer after disclosure of such facts; or allowing an interest in any business to affect a decision regarding landscape architectural work for which retained, employed, or called upon to perform;
(4) Signing or permitting a seal to be affixed to any drawings or specifications that were not prepared or reviewed by the landscape architect or under the landscape architect's personal supervision by persons subject to the landscape architect's direction and control; or
(5) Willfully evading or trying to evade any law, ordinance, code, or regulation governing site or landscape construction.
[ 2009 c 370 s 12; 2002 c 86 s 235; 1997 c 58 s 827; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Effective dates—2002 c 86: See note following RCW 18.08.340.
Part headings not law—Severability—2002 c 86: See RCW 18.235.902 and 18.235.903.
Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.
Effective dates—Intent—1997 c 58: See notes following RCW 74.20A.320.

catchline: Unprofessional conduct—Grounds for disciplinary action.


title: RCW 18.96.140

text:
A new certificate of licensure to replace any certificate lost or destroyed, or mutilated may be issued by the director, and a charge determined by the director as provided in RCW 43.24.086 shall be made for such issuance.
[ 2009 c 370 s 13; 2002 c 86 s 236; 1985 c 7 s 77; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 s 88; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 14.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Effective dates—2002 c 86: See note following RCW 18.08.340.
Part headings not law—Severability—2002 c 86: See RCW 18.235.902 and 18.235.903.

catchline: Reissuance of lost or destroyed certificates.


title: RCW 18.96.150

text:
(1) The director shall issue a certificate of licensure to any applicant who has, to the satisfaction of the board, met all the requirements for licensure upon payment of the licensure fee as provided in this chapter. All certificates of licensure shall show the full name of the licensee, have the license number, and shall be signed by the chair of the board and by the director. The issuance of a certificate of licensure by the director is prima facie evidence that the person named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a licensed landscape architect.
(2) Each licensee shall obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board bearing the landscape architect's name, license number, the legend "Licensed Landscape Architect," and the name of this state. Drawings prepared by the licensee shall be sealed and signed by the licensee when filed with public authorities. It is unlawful to seal and sign a document after a licensee's certificate of licensure or authorization has expired, been revoked, or is suspended. A landscape architect shall not seal and sign technical submissions not prepared by the landscape architect or his or her regularly employed subordinates or individuals under his or her direct control, or if prepared by a landscape architect licensed in any jurisdiction recognized by the board, reviewed and accepted as the sealing landscape architect's own work; a landscape architect who signs or seals drawings or specifications that he or she has reviewed is responsible to the same extent as if prepared by that landscape architect.
[ 2009 c 370 s 14; 1993 c 35 s 6; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 15.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.


title: RCW 18.96.180

text:
The board, through the director, shall immediately suspend the certificate of licensure to practice landscape architecture of a person who has been certified under RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order or a *residential or visitation order. If the person has continued to meet other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the certificate shall be automatic upon the director's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the individual is in compliance with the order.
[ 2009 c 370 s 15; 1969 ex.s. c 158 s 18.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: 1997 c 58 s 886 requiring a court to order certification of noncompliance with residential provisions of a court-ordered parenting plan was vetoed. Provisions ordering the department of social and health services to certify a responsible parent based on a court order to certify for noncompliance with residential provisions of a parenting plan were vetoed. See RCW 74.20A.320.
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.

catchline: Certificate of licensure suspension—Noncompliance with support order—Reissuance.


title: RCW 18.96.200

text:
The uniform regulation of business and professions act, chapter 18.235 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter.
[ 2002 c 86 s 237.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2002 c 86: See note following RCW 18.08.340.
Part headings not law—Severability—2002 c 86: See RCW 18.235.902 and 18.235.903.

catchline: Uniform regulation of business and professions act.


title: RCW 18.96.220

text:
This chapter does not affect or prevent:
(1) The practice of architecture, land surveying, engineering, geology, or any recognized profession by persons not licensed as landscape architects;
(2) Drafters, clerks, project managers, superintendents, and other employees of landscape architects from acting under the instructions, control, or supervision of their employers;
(3) The construction, alteration, or supervision of sites by contractors or superintendents employed by contractors or the preparation of shop drawings in connection therewith;
(4) Owners or contractors under chapter 18.27 RCW from engaging persons who are not landscape architects to observe and supervise site construction of a project;
(5) Qualified professional biologists as referenced in chapter 36.70 RCW from providing services for natural site areas that also fall within the definition of the practice of landscape architecture without a violation of this chapter;
(6) The preparation of construction documents including planting plans, landscape materials, or other horticulture-related elements;
(7) Individuals from making plans, drawings, or specifications for any property owned by them and for their own personal use;
(8) The design of irrigation systems; and
(9) Landscape design on residential properties.
[ 2009 c 370 s 18.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 370 ss 1-16, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 18.96.010.
Finding—2009 c 370: See note following RCW 18.96.010.

catchline: Application—Professions and activities not affected.


title: RCW 18.96.230

text:
An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements of this chapter unless the board determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state.
[ 2011 c 351 s 7.]

catchline: Military training or experience.


title: RCW 18.96.901

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 48.]

catchline: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 19.02.010

text:
(1) Experience under the pilot program of the business coordination act suggests that the number of state licenses required for new businesses and the renewal of existing licenses places an undue burden on business. Studies under this act also show that the state can reduce its costs by coordinating and consolidating application forms, information, and licenses. Therefore, the legislature extends the business coordination act by establishing a business license program and license center to develop and implement the following goals and objectives:
(a) The first goal of this system is to provide a convenient, accessible, and timely one-stop system for the business community to acquire and maintain the necessary state licenses to conduct business. This system must be developed and operated in the most cost-efficient manner for the business community and state. The objectives of this goal are:
(i) To provide a service whereby information is available to the business community concerning all state licensing and regulatory requirements, and to the extent feasible, include local and federal information concerning the same regulated activities;
(ii) To provide a system which enables state agencies to efficiently store, retrieve, and exchange license information with due regard to privacy statutes; to issue and renew business licenses where such licenses are appropriate; and to provide appropriate support services for this objective;
(iii) To provide at designated locations one consolidated application form to be completed by any given applicant; and
(iv) To provide a statewide system of common business identification.
(b) The second goal of this system is to aid business and the growth of business in Washington state by instituting a business license system that reduces the paperwork burden on business, and promote the elimination of obsolete and duplicative licensing requirements by consolidating existing licenses and applications.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature that the authority for determining if a requested license is issued remains with the agency legally authorized to issue the license.
(3) It is the further intent of the legislature that those licenses which no longer serve a useful purpose in regulating certain business activities should be eliminated.
[ 2013 c 144 s 15; 1982 c 182 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 319 s 1.]

catchline: Purpose—Intent.


title: RCW 19.02.020

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Business license" means the single document designed for public display issued by the business licensing service, which certifies state agency or local government license approval and which incorporates the endorsements for individual licenses included in the business licensing system, which the state or local government requires for any person subject to this chapter.
(2) "Business license application" means a document incorporating pertinent data from existing applications for licenses covered under this chapter.
(3) "Business licensing service" means the business registration and licensing service established by this chapter and located in and under the administrative control of the department of revenue.
(4) "Department" means the department of revenue.
(5) "Director" means the director of the department.
(6) "License" means the whole or part of any agency or local government permit, license, certificate, approval, registration, charter, or any form or permission required by law, including agency rule, to engage in any activity.
(7) "License information packet" means a collection of information about licensing requirements and application procedures custom-assembled for each request.
(8) "Participating local government" means a municipal corporation or political subdivision that participates in the business licensing system established by this chapter.
(9) "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, association, cooperative, corporation, nonprofit organization, state or local government agency, and any other organization required to register with the state or a participating local government to do business in the state or the participating local government and to obtain one or more licenses from the state or any of its agencies or the participating local government.
(10) "Regulatory" means all licensing and other governmental or statutory requirements pertaining to business or professional activities.
(11) "Regulatory agency" means any state agency, board, commission, division, or local government that regulates one or more professions, occupations, industries, businesses, or activities.
(12) "Renewal application" means a document used to collect pertinent data for renewal of licenses covered under this chapter.
(13) "System" or "business licensing system" means the procedure by which business licenses are issued and renewed, license and regulatory information is collected and disseminated with due regard to privacy statutes, and account data is exchanged by the agencies and participating local governments.
[ 2013 c 144 s 16. Prior: 2011 c 298 s 4; 1993 c 142 s 3; 1992 c 107 s 1; 1982 c 182 s 2; 1979 c 158 s 75; 1977 ex.s. c 319 s 2.]
Notes:
Purpose—Intent—2011 c 298: "The purpose of this act is to improve customer service by transferring the master license service program from the department of licensing to the department of revenue. It is the legislature's intent that all licenses obtained or renewed through the master license service as of March 1, 2011, will continue to be obtained or renewed through the master license service after the master license service program is transferred to the department of revenue effective July 1, 2011." [ 2011 c 298 s 1.]
Agency transfer—2011 c 298: "(1) All powers, duties, and functions of the department of licensing pertaining to the administration of chapters 19.02, 19.80, and 59.30 RCW are transferred to the department of revenue. All references to the department of licensing or the director of licensing in the Revised Code of Washington must be construed to mean the department of revenue or the director of revenue when referring to the powers, duties, and functions transferred under this section.
(2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material, including electronic records and files, in the possession of the department of licensing pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred to the department of revenue under this section must be delivered to the custody of the department of revenue. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the department of licensing in carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred must be made available to the department of revenue. All funds, credits, or other assets held in connection with the powers, functions, and duties transferred must be assigned to the department of revenue.
(b) Any appropriations made to the department of licensing for carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred must, on July 1, 2011, be transferred and credited to the department of revenue.
(c) Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management must make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.
(3) All employees of the department of licensing primarily engaged in performing the powers, functions, and duties transferred are transferred to the jurisdiction of the department of revenue. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the department of revenue to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service.
(4) All rules and all pending business before the department of licensing pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred must be continued and acted upon by the department of revenue. All existing contracts and obligations must remain in full force and must be performed by the department of revenue.
(5) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the department of licensing does not affect the validity of any act performed before July 1, 2011.
(6) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management must certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these must make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.
(7) All classified employees of the department of licensing assigned to the department of revenue under this section whose positions are within an existing bargaining unit description at the department of revenue must become a part of the existing bargaining unit at the department of revenue and must be considered an appropriate inclusion or modification of the existing bargaining unit, if any, under the provisions of chapter 41.80 RCW." [ 2011 c 298 s 2.]
Contracting—2011 c 298: "To ensure a seamless transfer of the master license service program from the department of licensing to the department of revenue and to prevent any disruption of service to persons seeking to use the master license system, the department of revenue is authorized to contract, under chapter 39.34 RCW, with the department of licensing for support in administering chapters 19.02, 19.80, and 59.30 RCW. Any contract entered into pursuant to this section must be for a duration no longer than necessary to fully and effectively transfer the master license service program from the department of licensing to the department of revenue." [ 2011 c 298 s 3.]
Effective date—2011 c 298: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2011." [ 2011 c 298 s 43.]
Effective dates—1992 c 107: "(1) Sections 1 through 4, 6, and 8 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect June 1, 1992.
(2) Sections 5 and 7 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1992." [ 1992 c 107 s 9.]


title: RCW 19.02.030

text:
(1) There is located within the department a business licensing service.
(2) The duties of the business licensing service include:
(a) Developing and administering a computerized one-stop business licensing system capable of storing, retrieving, and exchanging license information with due regard to privacy statutes, as well as issuing and renewing business licenses in an efficient manner;
(b) Providing a license information service detailing requirements to establish or engage in business in this state;
(c) Providing for staggered business license renewal dates;
(d) Identifying types of licenses appropriate for inclusion in the business licensing system;
(e) Recommending in reports to the governor and the legislature the elimination, consolidation, or other modification of duplicative, ineffective, or inefficient licensing or inspection requirements; and
(f) Incorporating licenses into the business licensing system. Both the regulatory agency legally authorized to issue the license and the department must agree that the license will be issued through the *master license system in order for the license to be incorporated.
(3) The department may adopt under chapter 34.05 RCW such rules as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
[ 2013 c 144 s 17; 2013 c 111 s 3; 2011 c 298 s 5; 1999 c 240 s 5; 1993 c 142 s 4; 1982 c 182 s 3; 1979 c 158 s 76; 1977 ex.s. c 319 s 3.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) The term "master license system" changed to "business licensing system" by chapter 144, Laws of 2013.
(2) This section was amended by 2013 c 111 s 3 and by 2013 c 144 s 17, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.


title: RCW 19.02.035

text:
(1) The business licensing service must compile information regarding the regulatory programs associated with each of the licenses obtainable under the business licensing system. This information must include, at a minimum, a listing of the statutes and administrative rules requiring the licenses and pertaining to the regulatory programs that are directly related to the licensure. For example, for pesticide dealers' licenses, the information must include the statutes and rules requiring licensing as well as those pertaining to the subject of registering or distributing pesticides.
(2) The business licensing service must provide information governed by this section to any person requesting it. Materials used by the business licensing service to describe its services must indicate that this information is available upon request.
[ 2013 c 144 s 18; 1982 c 182 s 4.]

catchline: Business licensing service to compile and distribute information—Scope.


title: RCW 19.02.050

text:
Each of the following agencies must fully participate in the implementation of this chapter:
(1) Department of agriculture;
(2) Secretary of state;
(3) Department of social and health services;
(4) Department of revenue;
(5) Department of fish and wildlife;
(6) Employment security department;
(7) Department of labor and industries;
(8) Liquor and cannabis board;
(9) Department of health;
(10) Department of licensing;
(11) Utilities and transportation commission;
(12) Board of accountancy;
(13) Department of archaeology and historic preservation;
(14) Department of children, youth, and families;
(15) Department of ecology;
(16) Department of financial institutions;
(17) Department of transportation;
(18) Gambling commission;
(19) Horse racing commission;
(20) Office of the insurance commissioner;
(21) State lottery;
(22) Student achievement council;
(23) Washington state patrol;
(24) Workforce training and education coordinating board; and
(25) Other agencies as determined by the governor.
[ 2018 c 58 s 33; 2013 c 111 s 1; 2011 c 298 s 6; 1997 c 391 s 11; 1994 c 264 s 8; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 317; 1985 c 466 s 38; 1979 c 158 s 78; 1977 ex.s. c 319 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.
Effective date—Severability—1985 c 466: See notes following RCW 43.31.125.

catchline: Participation of state agencies.


title: RCW 19.02.070

text:
(1) Any person requiring licenses that have been incorporated into the system must submit a business license application to the department requesting the issuance of the licenses. The business license application form must contain in consolidated form information necessary for the issuance of the licenses.
(2) The applicant must include with the application the sum of all fees and deposits required for the requested individual license endorsements as well as the handling fee established by the department under the authority of RCW 19.02.075.
(3) Irrespective of any authority delegated to the department to implement the provisions of this chapter, the authority for approving issuance and renewal of any requested license that requires a prelicensing or renewal investigation, inspection, testing, or other judgmental review by the regulatory agency otherwise legally authorized to issue the license must remain with that agency. The business licensing service has the authority to issue those licenses for which proper fee payment and a completed application form have been received and for which no prelicensing or renewal approval action is required by the regulatory agency.
(4) Upon receipt of the application and proper fee payment for any license for which issuance is subject to regulatory agency action under subsection (3) of this section, the department must immediately notify the regulatory agency with authority to approve issuance or renewal of the license requested by the applicant. Each regulatory agency must advise the department within a reasonable time after receiving the notice: (a) That the agency approves the issuance of the requested license and will advise the applicant of any specific conditions required for issuing the license; (b) that the agency denies the issuance of the license and gives the applicant reasons for the denial; or (c) that the application is pending.
(5) The department must issue a business license endorsed for all the approved licenses to the applicant and advise the applicant of the status of other requested licenses. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contest the decision regarding conditions imposed or licenses denied through the normal process established by statute or by the regulatory agency with the authority for approving issuance of the license.
(6) Regulatory agencies must be provided information from the business license application for their licensing and regulatory functions.
[ 2013 c 144 s 19; 2011 c 298 s 7; 1990 c 264 s 1; 1982 c 182 s 6; 1979 c 158 s 79; 1977 ex.s. c 319 s 7.]
Notes:
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.
Effective date—1990 c 264: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1990. The director of licensing may immediately take such steps as are necessary to ensure that sections 1 and 2 of this act are implemented on their effective date." [ 1990 c 264 s 5.]

catchline: Issuance of licenses—Scope—Business license application and fees—Action by regulatory agency, when—Agencies provided information.


title: RCW 19.02.075

text:
(1)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, the department must collect a handling fee on each business license application and each renewal application filing. The department must set the amount of the handling fees by rule, as authorized by RCW 19.02.030. The handling fees may not exceed $90 for each business license application filed by any person to open or reopen a business, $10 for each business license renewal application filing, and $19 for each business license application filed for any other purpose. Handling fees collected under this section must be deposited in the business license account created under RCW 19.02.210.
(b) No handling fee is collected on a business license application filed by an existing business for the following purposes:
(i) To open an additional location; or
(ii) To obtain a local government's nonresident business license endorsement.
(2) The department may increase all handling fees within the limits provided in this section for the purposes of defraying the department's costs associated with the administration of this chapter, including making improvements in the business licensing service program, such as improvements in technology and customer services, expanded access, and infrastructure.
(3) Annually, by the last day of September, beginning September 30, 2024, the department must review the business license account balance. If the balance in the account at the end of the previous fiscal year exceeds an amount equal to the average of three months of monthly expenditures from the business license account during the previous fiscal year, or the department projects that the balance in the business license account at the end of the current fiscal year will exceed an amount equal to the average of three months of monthly expenditures from the business license account during the previous fiscal year, the department must reduce one or more of the handling fees authorized in subsection (1) of this section. Handling fees must be reduced under this subsection (3) to the extent the department determines necessary to result in a balance in the business license account at the end of the fiscal year following the current fiscal year, as projected by the department, of no more than an amount equal to the average of three months of monthly expenditures from the business license account during the previous fiscal year. This subsection (3) does not require the department to reduce handling fees more than once in any fiscal year.
(4) In increasing or decreasing any fee under this section, the department may round the adjusted fee to the nearest whole dollar that does not exceed the dollar limits in subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2024 c 270 s 1; 2020 c 164 s 1; 2013 c 144 s 20; 2011 c 298 s 8; 1995 c 403 s 1007; 1992 c 107 s 2; 1990 c 264 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 164: "This act takes effect July 1, 2020." [ 2020 c 164 s 2.]
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.
Findings—Short title—Intent—1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
Effective dates—1992 c 107: See note following RCW 19.02.020.
Effective date—1990 c 264: See note following RCW 19.02.070.

catchline: Business license application handling and renewal fees—Department review of the business license account balance.


title: RCW 19.02.080

text:
All fees collected under the system must be deposited with the state treasurer. Upon issuance or renewal of the business license or supplemental licenses, the department must distribute the fees, except for fees covered under RCW 19.02.210 and for fees covered under RCW 19.80.075, to the appropriate accounts under the applicable statutes for those agencies' licenses.
[ 2013 c 144 s 21; 1992 c 107 s 3; 1982 c 182 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1992 c 107: See note following RCW 19.02.020.

catchline: Licensing fees—Disposition of.


title: RCW 19.02.085

text:
(1) To encourage timely renewal by applicants, a business license delinquency fee is imposed on licensees who fail to renew by the business license expiration date. The business license delinquency fee must be the lesser of $150 or 50 percent of a base comprised of the licensee's renewal fee minus corporate licensing taxes, corporation annual report fee, and any interest fees or penalties charged for late taxes or corporate renewals. The business license delinquency fee must be added to the renewal fee and paid by the licensee before a business license is renewed. The delinquency fee must be deposited in the business license account.
(2) The department must waive or cancel the business license delinquency fee imposed in subsection (1) of this section only if:
(a) The department determines that the licensee failed to renew a license by the business license expiration date due to an undisputable error or failure by the department; or
(b) The licensee requests the waiver and has timely renewed all business licenses and paid the applicable business license fees for a period of 24 months immediately preceding the period covered by the renewal application for which the waiver is being requested.
(c) For purposes of this subsection, an error or failure is undisputable if the department is satisfied, beyond any doubt, that the error or failure occurred.
[ 2023 c 258 s 1; 2020 c 139 s 3; 2013 c 144 s 22; 1992 c 107 s 5; 1989 c 170 s 1; 1982 c 182 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1992 c 107: See note following RCW 19.02.020.

catchline: Licensing fees—Business license delinquency fee—Rate—Disposition.


title: RCW 19.02.090

text:
(1) The department must assign an expiration date for each business license. All renewable licenses endorsed on that business license must expire on that date. License fees must be prorated to accommodate the staggering of expiration dates.
(2) All renewable licenses endorsed on a business license must be renewed by the department under conditions originally imposed unless a regulatory agency advises the department of conditions or denials to be imposed before the endorsement is renewed.
[ 2013 c 144 s 23; 1982 c 182 s 8.]

catchline: Business license—Expiration date—Prorated fees—Conditions of renewal.


title: RCW 19.02.100

text:
(1) The department may refuse to issue or renew a business license to any person if:
(a) The person does not have a valid tax registration, if required by a regulatory agency;
(b) The person is a corporation delinquent in fees or penalties owing to the secretary of state or is not validly registered under Title 23B RCW, chapter 18.100 RCW, Title 24 RCW, or any other statute now or hereafter adopted which gives corporate or business licensing responsibilities to the secretary of state if the person is required to be so registered and the regulatory agency having the authority to approve the issuance or renewal of the license requires, as a condition of such approval, that the person be so registered or not delinquent in fees or penalties owing to the secretary of state; or
(c) The person has not submitted the sum of all fees and deposits required for the requested individual license endorsements, any outstanding business license delinquency fee, or other fees and penalties to be collected through the system.
(2) Nothing in this section prevents registration by the state of a business for taxation purposes, or an employer for the purpose of paying an employee of that employer industrial insurance or unemployment insurance benefits.
[ 2013 c 144 s 24; 2011 c 298 s 9; 1997 c 58 s 865; 1991 c 72 s 8; 1982 c 182 s 10.]
Notes:
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.
Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.
Effective dates—Intent—1997 c 58: See notes following RCW 74.20A.320.

catchline: Business license—Issuance or renewal—Denial.


title: RCW 19.02.110

text:
(1) In addition to the licenses processed under the business licensing system prior to April 1, 1982, on July 1, 1982, use of the business licensing system is expanded as provided by this section.
(2) Applications for the following must be filed with the business licensing service and must be processed, and renewals must be issued, under the business licensing system:
(a) Nursery dealer's licenses required by chapter 15.13 RCW;
(b) Seed dealer's licenses required by chapter 15.49 RCW;
(c) Pesticide dealer's licenses required by chapter 15.58 RCW;
(d) Shopkeeper's licenses required by chapter 18.64 RCW;
(e) Egg dealer's licenses required by chapter 69.25 RCW; and
(f) Cannabis-infused edible endorsements required by chapter 69.07 RCW.
[ 2022 c 16 s 23; 2017 c 138 s 3; 2013 c 144 s 25; 2007 c 52 s 1; 2000 c 171 s 43; 1988 c 5 s 3; 1982 c 182 s 11.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.

catchline: Business license—System to include additional licenses.


title: RCW 19.02.115

text:
(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Disclose" means to make known to any person in any manner licensing information.
(b) "Licensing information" means any information created or obtained by the department in the administration of this chapter and chapters 19.80 and 59.30 RCW, which information relates to any person who: (i) Has applied for or has been issued a license or trade name; or (ii) has been issued an assessment or delinquency fee. Licensing information includes initial and renewal business license applications, and business licenses.
(c) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030 and also includes the state and the state's departments and institutions.
(d) "State agency" means every Washington state office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other state agency.
(2) Licensing information is confidential and privileged, and except as authorized by this section, neither the department nor any other person may disclose any licensing information. Nothing in this chapter requires any person possessing licensing information made confidential and privileged by this section to delete information from such information so as to permit its disclosure.
(3) This section does not prohibit the department of revenue, or any other person receiving licensing information from the department under this subsection, from:
(a) Disclosing licensing information in a civil or criminal judicial proceeding or an administrative proceeding:
(i) In which the person about whom such licensing information is sought and the department, another state agency, or a local government are adverse parties in the proceeding; or
(ii) Involving a dispute arising out of the department's administration of chapter 19.80 or 59.30 RCW, or this chapter if the licensing information relates to a party in the proceeding;
(b) Disclosing, subject to such requirements and conditions as the director prescribes by rules adopted pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, such licensing information regarding a license applicant or license holder to such license applicant or license holder or to such person or persons as that license applicant or license holder may designate in a request for, or consent to, such disclosure, or to any other person, at the license applicant's or license holder's request, to the extent necessary to comply with a request for information or assistance made by the license applicant or license holder to such other person. However, licensing information not received from the license applicant or holder must not be so disclosed if the director determines that such disclosure would compromise any investigation or litigation by any federal, state, or local government agency in connection with the civil or criminal liability of the license applicant, license holder, or another person, or that such disclosure would identify a confidential informant, or that such disclosure is contrary to any agreement entered into by the department that provides for the reciprocal exchange of information with other government agencies, which agreement requires confidentiality with respect to such information unless such information is required to be disclosed to the license applicant or license holder by the order of any court;
(c) Publishing statistics so classified as to prevent the identification of particular licensing information;
(d) Disclosing licensing information for official purposes only, to the governor or attorney general, or to any state agency, or to any committee or subcommittee of the legislature dealing with matters of taxation, revenue, trade, commerce, the control of industry or the professions, or licensing;
(e) Permitting the department's records to be audited and examined by the proper state officer, his or her agents and employees;
(f) Disclosing any licensing information to a peace officer as defined in RCW 9A.04.110 or county prosecuting attorney, for official purposes. The disclosure may be made only for the purpose of review, investigation, or enforcement activities related to a license or license application. A peace officer or county prosecuting attorney who receives the licensing information may disclose that licensing information only in conformance with restrictions found in this section;
(g) Disclosing, in a manner that is not associated with other licensing information, the name of a license applicant or license holder, entity type, registered trade name, business address, mailing address, unified business identifier number, list of licenses issued to a person through the business licensing system established in this chapter and their issuance and expiration dates, and the dates of opening of a business. This subsection may not be construed as giving authority to the department to give, sell, or provide access to any list of persons for any commercial purpose;
(h) Disclosing licensing information that is also maintained by another Washington state or local governmental agency as a public record available for inspection and copying under the provisions of chapter 42.56 RCW or is a document maintained by a court of record and is not otherwise prohibited from disclosure;
(i) Disclosing any licensing information when the disclosure is specifically authorized under any other section of the Revised Code of Washington;
(j) Disclosing licensing information to the proper officer of the licensing or tax department of any city, town, or county of this state, for official purposes. If the licensing information does not relate to a license issued by the city, town, or county requesting the licensing information, disclosure may be made only if the laws of the requesting city, town, or county grants substantially similar privileges to the proper officers of this state; or
(k) Disclosing licensing information to the federal government for official purposes.
(4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, a state agency or local government agency may disclose licensing information relating to a license issued on its behalf by the department pursuant to this chapter if the disclosure is authorized by another statute, local law, or administrative rule.
(5) The department, any other state agency, or local government may refuse to disclose licensing information that is otherwise disclosable under subsection (3) of this section if such disclosure would violate federal law or any information sharing agreement between the state or local government and federal government.
(6) Any person acquiring knowledge of any licensing information in the course of his or her employment with the department and any person acquiring knowledge of any licensing information as provided under subsection (3)(d), (e), (f), (j), or (k) of this section, who discloses any such licensing information to another person not entitled to knowledge of such licensing information under the provisions of this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor. If the person guilty of such violation is an officer or employee of the state, such person must forfeit such office or employment and is incapable of holding any public office or employment in this state for a period of two years thereafter.
[ 2022 c 56 s 2; 2017 c 323 s 701; 2013 c 144 s 26; 2011 c 298 s 12.]
Notes:
Tax preference performance statement exemption—Automatic expiration date exemption—2017 c 323: See note following RCW 82.04.040.
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.


title: RCW 19.02.210

text:
The business license account is created in the state treasury. Unless otherwise indicated in RCW 19.02.075, all receipts from handling and business license delinquency fees must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation beginning in fiscal year 1993. Expenditures from the account may be used only to administer the business licensing service program. During the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, moneys from the business license account may be used for operations of the department of revenue. During the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the business license account to the state general fund.
[ 2023 c 475 s 921; 2016 sp.s. c 36 s 916; 2013 c 144 s 27; 1992 c 107 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 475: See note following RCW 16.76.030.
Effective date—2016 sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 18.20.430.
Effective dates—1992 c 107: See note following RCW 19.02.020.

catchline: Business license account.


title: RCW 19.02.300

text:
(1) The director may contract with the federal internal revenue service, or other appropriate federal agency, to issue conditional federal employer identification numbers, or other federal credentials or documents, at specified offices and locations of the agency in conjunction with any application for state licenses under this chapter.
(2) To the extent permitted by any contract entered under subsection (1) of this section, the department may contract, under chapter 39.34 RCW, with any agency of state or local government which is participating in the master licensing program to issue conditional federal employer identification numbers, or other federal credentials or documents, in conjunction with applications for state licenses under this chapter.
[ 1997 c 51 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—1997 c 51: "The legislature intends to simplify the process of registering and licensing businesses in this state by authorizing state agencies to provide consolidated forms, instructions, service locations, and other operations whenever coordination of these functions would benefit individual businesses and the business community of this state. To further this goal, agencies participating in the master business license program should be able to contract with the federal internal revenue service, or other appropriate federal agency, to issue a conditional federal employer identification number, or other federal credentials or documents, at the same time that a business applies for registration or licensing with any state agency." [ 1997 c 51 s 1.]

catchline: Contract to issue conditional federal employer identification numbers, credentials, and documents—Issuance in conjunction with license applications.


title: RCW 19.02.310

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department may administer a performance-based grant program that provides funding assistance to public agencies that issue business licenses and that wish to join with the department's business licensing service.
(2) The department may determine among interested grant applicants the order and the amount of the grant. In making grant determinations, consideration must be given, but not limited to, the following criteria: Readiness of the public agency to participate; the number of renewable licenses; and the reduced regulatory impact to businesses subject to licensure relative to the overall investment required by the department.
(3) The department must invite and encourage participation by all Washington city and county governments having interests or responsibilities relating to business licensing.
(4) The total amount of grants provided under this section may not exceed seven hundred fifty thousand dollars in any one fiscal year.
(5) The source of funds for this grant program is the business license account.
[ 2013 c 144 s 28; 2005 c 201 s 1.]

catchline: Performance-based grant program.


title: RCW 19.02.320

text:
A person seeking a work permit for the employment of minors under RCW 49.12.121 is not required to complete an entirely new *master application if there are no changes to any other information submitted on the most recent *master application. The person need only complete the parts of a new *master application that identify the employer seeking the minor work permit, including address and contact information, and that indicate the employer plans to employ one or more minors, the duties to be performed by minors, and the estimated number of hours to be worked by minors.
[ 2013 c 156 s 1.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "master application" was changed to "business license application" by chapter 144, Laws of 2013.

catchline: Employment of minors.


title: RCW 19.02.800

text:
Except as provided in RCW 43.07.200, the provisions of this chapter regarding the processing of license applications and renewals under the business licensing system do not apply to those business or professional activities that are licensed or regulated under chapter 31.04, 31.12, or 31.13 RCW or under Title *30, 32, 33, or 48 RCW.
[ 2013 c 144 s 29; 2011 c 298 s 10; 2000 c 171 s 44; 1982 c 182 s 17.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Title 30 RCW was recodified and/or repealed pursuant to 2014 c 37, effective January 5, 2015.
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.

catchline: Business license system—Certain business or professional activity licenses exempt.


title: RCW 19.02.890

text:
This chapter may be known and cited as the business licensing service act.
[ 2013 c 144 s 30; 1982 c 182 s 18.]

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 19.02.920

text:
The rule of strict construction shall have no application to this chapter and it shall be liberally construed in order to carry out its purposes.
[ 1982 c 182 s 16.]

catchline: Construction.


title: RCW 19.05.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Administrative account" means the Washington saves administrative trust account created in RCW 19.05.110.
(2) "Administrative agency" means the state agency or office that will provide administrative support to the governing board, beginning no later than July 1, 2027.
(3) "Complainant" means a covered employee, or that employee's designee who has written or legal authority to act on behalf of the employee, who files a complaint alleging an employer administrative violation of RCW 19.05.030 who learned of the alleged violation by way of their employment with a covered employer.
(4) "Consumer price index" means the consumer price index for all urban consumers, all items, for the Seattle area as calculated by the United States bureau of labor statistics or its successor agency.
(5) "Covered employee" means an individual who is 18 years of age or older, who is employed by a covered employer.
(6) "Covered employer" means any employer that:
(a) Has been in business in this state for at least two years as of the immediately preceding calendar year;
(b) Maintains a physical presence;
(c) Does not offer a qualified retirement plan to their covered employees who have had continuous employment of one year or more; and
(d) Employs, and at any point during the immediately preceding calendar year employed, employees working a combined minimum of 10,400 hours.
(7) "Department" means the department of labor and industries.
(8) "Employer" means a person or entity engaged in a business, profession, trade, or other enterprise in the state, whether for profit or not for profit. "Employer" does not include federal or state entities, agencies, or instrumentalities, or any political subdivision thereof.
(9) "Employer administrative duties" include all requirements of covered employers under RCW 19.05.030 that do not involve amounts due to the employee.
(10) "Employment" has the same meaning as in RCW 50.04.100.
(11) "Governing board" means the board created in RCW 19.05.040.
(12) "Individual account" means an IRA established by or for an individual participant and owned by the individual participant pursuant to this chapter.
(13) "Individual participant" means any individual who is contributing to, or has a balance credited in, an IRA through the program.
(14) "Internal revenue code" means the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, or any successor law.
(15) "IRA" means a traditional or Roth individual retirement account or individual retirement annuity described in section 408(a), 408(b), or 408A of the internal revenue code.
(16) "Payroll deduction IRA agreement" means an arrangement by which a participating employer makes payroll deductions authorized by this chapter and remits amounts deducted as contributions to IRAs on behalf of individual participants.
(17) "Program" means the Washington saves program established under this chapter.
(18) "Qualified retirement plan" means a retirement plan in compliance with applicable federal law for employees including those described in section 401(a), 401(k), 403(a), 403(b), 408(k), or 408(p) of the internal revenue code. A qualified retirement plan may require continuous employment of up to one year to be eligible for employee participation.
(19) "Wages" means any commission, compensation, salary, or other remuneration, as defined by section 219(f)(1) of the internal revenue code, received by a covered employee from a covered employer.
[ 2025 c 190 s 1; 2024 c 327 s 2.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2024 c 327: See note following RCW 19.05.020.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 19.05.020

text:
(1) Washington saves is established to serve as a vehicle through which covered employees may, on a voluntary basis, provide for additional retirement security through a state-facilitated retirement savings program in a convenient, cost-effective, and portable manner.
(2) Washington saves is intended as a public-private partnership that will encourage, not replace or compete with, employer-sponsored retirement plans.
(3) Washington saves must be designed in consultation with covered employers and covered employees to ensure that the businesses and workers intended to benefit from the program are provided ample opportunity to learn about and give input on the program design and timeline for implementation before the program is made publicly available.
[ 2024 c 327 s 1.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2024 c 327: "If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state or the eligibility of employers in this state for federal unemployment tax credits, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict, and the finding or determination does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state or the granting of federal unemployment tax credits to employers in this state." [ 2024 c 327 s 21.]

catchline: Establishment.