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Introduction

Under Washington’s administrative regulatory code, WAC 308‑19‑400 governs brief adjudicative proceedings for matters related to bail-bond licensing and regulatory enforcement by the Department of Licensing under Chapter 18.185 RCW. These streamlined hearings provide an expedited administrative process for specific types of licensing and compliance issues.

📌 Scope of Brief Adjudicative Proceedings

Under WAC 308‑19‑400, the Department adopts the framework set by RCW 34.05.482–.494 to resolve certain issues through abbreviated hearings rather than full formal adjudications Justia+10Washington State Legislature+10LawFiles+10.

Covered Issues Include:

  1. Whether an applicant meets minimum criteria for licensing as a bail bond recovery agent, bail bond agency, qualified agent, branch office, or bail bond agent, where the department proposes denial Legal Information Institute+7Washington State Legislature+7Justia+7.
  2. Whether a person is in compliance with a prior final order or agreement issued by the department Washington State Legislature+15Washington State Legislature+15LawFiles+15.
  3. Whether an education course or curriculum meets approval criteria when required or authorized by statute or ruleLawFiles+2Washington State Legislature+2Washington State Legislature+2.
  4. Whether a license holder requesting renewal has submitted all required information and still meets minimum renewal criteria Washington State Legislature+7Washington State Legislature+7Washington State Legislature+7.

This administrative procedure falls under Washington’s Administrative Procedure Act, particularly RCW 34.05.482–.494, which authorizes limited hearings for specified cases in lieu of full adjudication procedures Washington State Legislature+5Washington State Legislature+5Washington State Department of Licensing+5.

Practical Function

By using brief adjudicative proceedings, the Department ensures issues like licensing denial, compliance, education approvals, and renewal eligibility can be resolved quickly with less administrative burden while ensuring procedural fairness.

🧾 How It Works: Process Overview

  • Initiation: Proceedings may be requested by the licensee/applicant or initiated at the Department’s discretion.
  • Limited Scope: Only the issues listed in Section WAC 308‑19‑400 are eligible.
  • Procedural Rules: Governed by RCW 34.05.482–.494, which outline hearing rights, evidence procedures, and agency discretion.
  • Record & Notice: Parties receive notice and may submit documents; supporting records follow WAC 308‑19‑410 standards Washington State Legislature+12Justia+12Washington State Legislature+12.

✅ Practical Considerations for Licensees & Attorneys

  • Prepare for defined issues only: Limit arguments and evidence to the specific enumerated topics.
  • Expect efficiency: These proceedings are quicker and less resource-intensive than full adjudicative hearings.
  • Understand rights and limitations: Formal cross-examination may be limited; appeals differ from formal hearings.
  • Coordinate with evidence rules: Include materials per WAC 308‑19‑410 to ensure completeness.

Call to Action

Contact Blanford Law at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253‑720‑9304 for guidance on navigating brief adjudicative proceedings, preparing admissible records, or appealing Department decisions under Washington licensing law.