Contractor Laws & Rules

Laws and rules about contractor registration can be found in the:

The laws and rules are maintained and updated by the State Office of the Code Reviser.

All Rulemakings in the Contractor Registration Program can be found here.

2025 rulemaking

Online Insurance

L&I is considering changes to state contractor registration and plumbing contractor licensing rules. The changes under consideration would require insurance companies to electronically submit insurance documents and information to transition to an online insurance system for most applicants for contractor registration and plumbing contractor licensing.

The changes would affect rules under:

About the rulemaking

Currently, L&I accepts paper copies of general liability insurance certificates, reinstatements, and cancellations for contractor registration and plumbing contractor licensing by mail and in-person. Either insurance companies or contractor applicants can submit the documents. This process is time-consuming, costly, and inefficient for both the agency and customers.

L&I is considering changes to only accept the documents electronically from insurance companies through the online insurance system known as the Electronic Bond and Insurance Policy System (EBIPS). L&I would no longer accept paper copies by mail, in-person, or through any other electronic method for contractor registration or plumbing contractor licensing. The only exception would be for first-time applicants for contractor registration or plumbing contractor licensing; these first-time applicants could submit insurance documents and information in-person or by U.S. Postal Service mail.

Opportunities to comment

L&I filed a Pre-proposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101) on April 22. This formally started the rulemaking process. L&I will seek input on the rule development from stakeholders and interested parties.

Rulemaking documents

Notice of intent (04/22/2025)

CR-101 Pre-Proposal Statement of Inquiry.

Here’s what happens next

  • Sept. 2, 2025: Proposed rules (CR-102) are expected to be filed.
  • October 2025: Public hearings will be scheduled on the proposed rules on dates to be determined.
  • Nov.18, 2025: Final rules (CR-103) are expected to be adopted.
  • Jan. 15, 2026: New rules would take effect.

2025 rulemaking

2SHB 1534 Implementation – Phase 3

L&I is considering changes to the state’s contractor registration rules to implement a new Homeowner Recovery Program. The amendments are necessary because of legislation that passed in 2023.

 The changes would affect Chapter 296-200A WAC, Contractor Certificate of Registration Renewals – Security – Insurance.

 L&I filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry on May 6.

 About the new laws

2023’s Second Substitute House Bill 1534 (2SHB 1534) (Chapter 213, Laws of 2023) helps to strengthen protection for consumers in the construction industry. The legislation directed L&I to establish and administer a new Homeowner Recovery Program by July 1, 2024.

The program provides a safeguard and a path to financial recovery for consumers harmed by construction contractors. Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible construction consumers can apply for recovery payments for financial loss stemming for construction contractor work.

 This rulemaking considers amendments to administer the newly established program and ensure access for construction consumers by July 1, 2026.

 L&I has been implementing provisions of the statutory changes in 2SHB 1534 in multiple phases of rulemaking. This rulemaking initiates the final phase.

 If adopted, the new rules would take effect July 1, 2026.

2024 rulemaking

Fee increase

L&I is proposing fee increases of 6.41% to cover operating expenses for its Contractor Registration Program.

The agency filed the CR-102 Proposal on Jan. 21. The fee increase is the maximum allowed by the state Office of Financial Management for fiscal year 2026. It is based on the average personal income growth over the past decade.

The fee increase would affectWAC 296-200A-900, What fees does the department charge contractors for issuance, renewal, reregistration, and reinstatement of certificates of registration?

If adopted, the rule amendments would take effect July 1, 2025.

How to participate

A public hearing on the proposed rules will take place Feb. 25, 2025, at 10 a.m.at L&I headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater, WA. Besides participating in person, you can join the meeting using:

Zoom Meeting:

Click here to join the meeting:

https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/83338607370?pwd=LZl8Lshkw7yTRbgRSo2WbBh0jLND1C.1

Passcode: HE.HuW7#

Or call:

1-253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 833 3860 7370

Passcode: 14603885

You can provide testimony or written comments at the above hearing, or send written comments by 5 p.m. Feb. 25, 2025, to:

  • Meagan Edwards
  • Email: Edwards@Lni.wa.gov
  • Mail: Department of Labor & Industries, Field Services & Public Safety Division, PO Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400

If you require communication or accommodation arrangements, please contact Meagan Edwards at 360-522-0125, by February 11.

Rulemaking documents

Notice of intent (10/22/2024)

Proposed rule language (01/21/2025)

Here’s what happens next:

  • Feb. 25, 2025: A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled for 10 a.m.
  • Apr. 22, 2025: The final rules (CR-103) are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.
  • July 1, 2025: The rule changes, if adopted, take effect.

Related Resources