Laws and rules pertaining to plumbing can be found in the following: 

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

Rule Development

2024 expedited rulemaking

On July 23, 2024, the agency filed an expedited rule that amends the requirements for plumber trainees. This is taking place now to comply with new state laws.

The proposed rule affects Washington Administrative Code 296-400A-120, What do I need to know about plumber trainee certificates? If adopted, the new rule would take effect on September 24, 2024.

 Expedited rule process

This rule is being proposed under an expedited rulemaking process. The expedited process allows for the adoption of rules that incorporate statutory language and eliminate requirements to hold a public hearing, prepare an economic impact statement on small business, or respond to the criteria for a significant legislative rule. 

If you object to this expedited rulemaking process, you must express your objections in writing and send them  to:

By Mail:        Meagan Edwards, Management Analyst
                      Dept. of Labor & Industries
                      Field Services & Public Safety
                      PO Box 44400
                      Olympia, WA 98504-4400
By Email:      Meagan.Edwards@Lni.wa.gov
By Fax:          360-704-1980

Objection to this expedited rulemaking must be received by Sept. 23, 2024.

 What the expedited proposed rule does

The proposed rule:

  • Permits plumber trainee applicants the option of providing an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in lieu of a Social Security Number (SSN) when applying for a plumber trainee certificate.
  • Updates language to be uniform with Engrossed Senate Bill 5997 (ESB 5997), which includes:
    • Changing the expiration date for the required supervision ratios for plumber trainees to certified plumbers from Dec. 31, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2028; and
    • Removing the requirements that failure of a trainee to report plumbing hours worked for each employer is a violation of chapter 18.106 RCW, subject to an infraction under RCW 18.106.320, and must result in nonrenewal of a plumbing trainee certificate.
  • Includes changes to existing language for clarity.

L&I filed the Expedited Rulemaking (CR-105) on July 23. The rule change is required for uniformity with Substitute House Bill 1889 (Chapter 50, Laws of 2024) and Engrossed Senate Bill 5997 (ESB 5997) (Chapter 97, Laws of 2024) that the Legislature passed this year. The statutory changes took effect on June 6, and July 1, 2024.

 Rulemaking Documents

CR-105 Expedited Proposal
CR-105 Proposed Rule Language