WSR 25-15-156

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING

[Filed July 23, 2025, 10:13 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establishing new rules related to the creation of a driver training voucher assistance program per ESHB 1878 passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.01.110 Rule-making authority, and 46.82.290 Administration of chapter—Adoption of rules.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule will establish the department of licensing's (DOL) driver training voucher assistance program per the requirements of ESHB 1878 passed during the 2025 legislative session. It will include student eligibility requirements, provider agreement standards, and reimbursement policies.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The office of the superintendent of public instruction and the Washington traffic safety commission both share a vested interest in traffic safety education and public safety on Washington roadways. Therefore, DOL will invite these entities to participate in the rule-making process. Although their participation is not required, it is welcomed.

Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ellis Starrett, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-902-3846, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov, website dol.wa.gov/about/rulemaking-acitvity [dol.wa.gov/about/rulemaking-activity].

July 23, 2025

Ellis Starrett

Rules and Policy Manager