DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING

[Filed September 4, 2024, 10:46 a.m.]

Continuance of WSR 24-15-149.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 24-13-120.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Real estate appraisers fee increases; WAC 308-125-120 Fees and charges.

Hearing Location(s): On September 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Highways and Licensing Building, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504; or virtual option via Microsoft Teams [contact agency for link], Meeting ID 294 796 429 452, Passcode qktssp; or dial in by phone +1 564-999-2000,,570747312# United States, Olympia, (564) 999-2000,,570747312# United States (Toll-free), Phone conference ID 570 747 312#. If you are having trouble accessing the virtual meeting, please call in to participate over the phone. You may also attend in person at the listed address. Signs will be posted on the lobby door of the visitor entrance.

Date of Intended Adoption: September 19, 2024.

Submit Written Comments to: Ellis Starrett, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov (subject: Appraisers' Fee Increases Public Hearing), beginning July 24, 2024, by September 18, 2024.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Ellis Starrett, phone 360-902-3846, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov, by September 1, 2024.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The department of licensing (DOL) is continuing their rule making to raise appraisers' licensing fees. DOL is required to set fees for each professional, occupational, or business licensing program at a sufficient level to defray the costs of administering that program. Current fees for appraisers are insufficient to sustain the program, and therefore DOL is increasing fees.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: In accordance with RCW 43.24.086, we are required to set these fees "at a sufficient level to defray the costs of administering that program." After completing an account audit with the federal Appraiser Subcommittee (ASC), DOL identified an error in the program fund balance. To bring the program balance to good standing, DOL must increase program fees. The appraiser program has not had a fee increase since 2009 (15 years). Current fees are insufficient to sustain this program with cost of business increases. Fee increases are needed to continue providing the information technology systems, training and oversight, and other critical services needed to support licensees and maintain public safety.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.24.086 Fee policy for professions, occupations, and businesses—Determination by rule, 46.01.110, and 18.140.050 Fees and collection procedures.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.24.086 Fee policy for professions, occupations, and businesses—Determination by rule and 18.140.050 Fees and collection procedures.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Lauren Gilmore, 405 Black Lake Boulevard S.W., Olympia, WA 98502, 360-634-5365; Implementation and Enforcement: Chantelle Petrone Marker, 405 Black Lake Boulevard S.W., Olympia, WA 98502, 360-634-5365.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.055 (b)(vi) [ 34.05.238 (5)(b)(vi)] exempts DOL from this requirement since DOL sets and adjusts fees pursuant to legislative standards, authorized in RCW 43.24.086 Fee policy for professions, occupations, and businesses—Determination by rule, and 18.140.050 Fees and collection procedures.

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules set or adjust fees under the authority of RCW 19.02.075 or that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards, including fees set or adjusted under the authority of RCW 19.80.045.

Scope of exemption for rule proposal:

Rules and Policy Manager

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-18-024, filed 8/26/20, effective 9/26/20)

WAC 308-125-120Fees and charges.

The following fees shall be paid under the provisions of chapter 18.140 RCW:

Title of Fee		Fee
(1)	Application for examination	(($370.00))$740.00
(2)	Examination	120.00**
(3)	Reexamination	120.00**
(4)	Original certification	((250.00))420.00
(5)	Active license renewal	((530.00))980.00
(((6)	Inactive license renewal	110.00))
(((7))) (6)	Inactive license reinstatement	((530.00))1,200.00*
(((8))) (7)	Late renewal	((38.00))76.00
(((9))) (8)	Certification history record	30.00
(((10)))(9)	Application for reciprocity	((370.00))660.00
(((11)))(10)	Original certification via reciprocity	((250.00))420.00*
(((12)))(11)	Temporary practice	((150.00))250.00
(((13)))(12)	Trainee registration	((200.00))400.00
(((14)))(13)	Trainee registration renewal	((200.00))400.00
(((15)))(14)	DOL license print	5.00

*	Fees for these categories marked with an asterisk include a national registry fee in an amount determined by the appraisal subcommittee to be submitted by the state. Title XI, SEC. 1109 requires each state to submit a roster listing of state licensed and certified appraisers to the Appraiser Subcommittee.
**	Charges for categories marked with a double asterisk are determined by contract with an outside testing service.