Introduction
Washington’s administrative regulations require licensed bail bond recovery agent applicants to demonstrate knowledge of governing laws. Under WAC 308‑19‑315, these candidates must study a clearly defined set of materials before taking the prelicense exam, ensuring they are prepared to meet licensing standards.
📚 What WAC 308‑19‑315 Requires
Authorized Study Materials
This section mandates that applicants have access to a formal study guide, listing the chapters and statutes they must review. Specifically, it includes:
- RCW 18.185 — Bail bond licensing law
- RCW 9.73 — Privacy Act requirements
- RCW 42.17 (Sections 250–348) — Public Records Act disclosure
- Title 9A RCW — Criminal code covering offenses such as fraud, theft, and misconduct
- RCW 10.19 — Appearance bonds procedures
- RCW 10.88 — Uniform Criminal Extradition Act
- RCW 9.41 — Firearms and weapons statutes
- Federal statutes, including the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552A), FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552), Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681), and the Federal Wiretapping Act
- U.S.C. Title 28 — Federal court and procedural statutes
- RCW 35.20 — Municipal court procedures
- Title 2 and Title 4 RCWs — District and civil procedure codes
- Case law reference: Taylor v. Taintor, a foundational bail agent liability case Washington State Legislature+11Washington State Legislature+11Washington State Legislature+11
Accessibility of the Study Guide
The rule specifies the department provides it on its website and public libraries, ensuring free and open access to applicants, regardless of financial means Washington State Legislature+1Washington State Legislature+1.
⚖️ Why This Rule Matters
Consistency and Fairness
By enumerating exact statutes and sources, the rule ensures all candidates prepare using the same materials, promoting standardized knowledge and fairness.
Legal Compliance and Accuracy
Access to statutory and federal regulation sources helps applicants understand critical legal obligations, such as licensing standards, privacy protection, and criminal conduct limitations.
🧾 Practical Steps for Applicants & Attorneys
- Review the statutory list carefully before scheduling the prelicense exam.
- Download or access the study materials early, using links provided by the Department of Licensing or public library resources.
- Ensure comprehensive understanding of the listed laws—especially RCW 18.185 and Title 9A RCW offenses.
- Consult legal counsel if ambiguous jurisdictional or statutory questions arise, especially regarding criminal penalties or privacy obligations.
Call to Action
Contact Blanford Law at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253‑720‑9304 for expert guidance preparing for bail bond recovery agent licensing, understanding WAC 308‑19‑315 requirements, or navigating related administrative law matters.
