Current rule-making activity (Rule-making docket)

We invite you to participate in our rulemaking process. WDFW is actively considering the rule-making proceedings listed below. Chapter 220-111 WAC provides procedures for inspecting or requesting copies of rulemaking files.

You will see rules in various stages of the rule-making process:

  • Pending rule-making” means that we have filed proposed rules with the Washington State Legislature’s Code Reviser’s Office. These links will take you to the documents that include the information, timeline, and contact information for each rule-making.
  • "Preproposals” means that we may develop and file proposed rules on these topics.

See the Rule-making glossary for more information about the terms used here.

Contact information
Agency rules coordinator
Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov
 

Pending rulemaking

  • Rule Making Reference # 2024-05 

    This expedited rule making project adopts changes to WAC chapter 220-660 to implement legislative amendments made through passage of SHB 1085 during the 2023 legislative session. The bill creates RCW 70A.245.130 which regulates overwater structures containing plastic foam.   

  • Rule making reference #P2023-18 

    For the upcoming 3-year season setting, the department is considering rule changes for the following topics: Deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, equipment, waterfowl, trapping, small and upland game, landowner hunting permits and raffle hunts, and other related rule changes as needed.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2020-02
    WDFW is proposing a new WAC chapter implementing RCW 77.57.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2018-23
    The department is conducting a periodic status review for the gray wolf.

Preproposals

  • Rule Making Reference# P2024-06

    The department is developing a new permit that is specific to beaver relocation and consistent with RCW 77.32.585.

    This permit would require applicants to be certified in beaver relocation by completing a department-approved training. This certification requirement would ensure that permittees have the knowledge needed to do the following: 1) to ensure humane and safe treatment of beavers during capture, handling, and release, 2) to select release sites based on suitable habitat criteria, beaver occupation status, social tolerance, and risk of future damage, and 3) to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2024-04

    The department is considering amending current coastal commercial salmon fishing rules resulting from stakeholder recommendations made during the 2024 North of Falcon process.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2024-03

    The department is considering amending current recreational fishing rules resulting from stakeholder recommendations made during the 2024 North of Falcon process.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2024-02

    The department is considering amending current Puget Sound commercial salmon fishing rules resulting from stakeholder recommendations made during the 2024 North of Falcon process.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2024-01

    Establish logbook requirements for Columbia River commercial fishing downstream of Bonneville Dam.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2023-17

    The department is considering updates to beach designations (Oyster Drill Restricted Areas) according to shellfish pest status. 

     

  • Rule Making Reference# P2023-14
    The department is considering adding new sections to WAC chapter 220-500.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2023-07
    The agency is initiating rulemaking to explore modification of the Quick Reporting rules to require additional information for Puget Sound Commercial and Coastal Troll salmon fisheries.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2022-08
    The Department is considering rule changes Chapter 220-500 WAC which regulates the use of WDFW lands.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2022-09
    Amendments would be needed to set season dates and permit numbers in order to offer a 2023 spring black bear season. In addition to providing recreational hunting opportunity, a special permit season could assist the department with addressing specific management needs that include, but are not limited to, tree damage on industrial managed timberlands, human-bear conflict and damage, and harvest distribution.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2019-17
    The department is seeking to amend and clarify rules regarding the collection and retrieval of wildlife parts from public lands. 

  • Rule Making Reference# P2019-19
    Currently, the department provides the public certain administrative hearing rights based on agency actions and decisions that are described in numerous rules scattered within WAC Title 220.

  • Rule Making Reference# P2018-22
    Because of passage of EHB 2957 in the 2018 legislative session, the department needs to amend regulations in WAC chapter 220-370 and make additional changes to these rules.