We invite you to participate in our rule-making process. WDFW is actively considering the rule-making proceedings listed below. Chapter 220-111 WAC provides procedures for inspecting or requesting copies of rule-making 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.
- "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 rule making
The department seeks to amend WAC 220-356-160 to update the current WDFW address for submission of harvest logbooks for commercial herring and baitfish.
The Department is considering rule changes to WAC chapter 220-120 (Public Records). The purpose of the proposed rule is to provide guidance to the public concerning the costs of providing public records on the body worn camera's in use by the WDFW law enforcement officers. It will also clarify administrative procedures that will not change the effect of the current rule.
The department is considering rule making for Southern Resident orcas, including amending and adding to rules in WAC Title 220.
The rule proposal establishes standards for director approval for fish passage and screening, ensuring that fish can freely migrate and move through and around obstructions and are not harmed by man-made transfers of water flow from a natural system. The rule proposal defines terms, identifies standards for evaluating inadequate fishways and water diversions, and outlines compliance requirements and agency enforcement options.
Based on public comments received on the rule publication, the department is currently revising its draft rules and will be refiling a supplemental rule publication.
Preproposals
Amending current notice requirements for testing commercial fishing gear in WAC chapter 220-353.
The department is considering changes to rules for recreational clam, mussel, and oyster harvest seasons in 2025.
The department is considering changes to recreational hunting and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) related rules for the 2025 hunting season.
The department is considering rulemaking to amend requirements in the coastal and Puget Sound commercial Dungeness crab fisheries.
The department is considering a recommendation to classify the island marble butterfly as state-endangered, threatened, or sensitive as defined under WAC chapter 220-610.
The department is seeking to amend rules in WAC chapter 220-440.
The rule proposal establishes logbook requirements for Columbia River commercial fishing downstream of Bonneville Dam.
The rule proposal updates beach designations (Oyster Drill Restricted Areas) according to shellfish pest status.
The rule proposal defines certain terms, clarifies existing definitions, and amends references to defined terms for consistency and clarity.
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.
The rule proposal amends and clarifies rules regarding the collection and retrieval of wildlife parts from public lands.
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.
The rule proposal amends WDFW's nonnative marine finfish aquaculture rules.