The Uniform regulation act under RCW 18.185.240 plays a fundamental role in how bail bond agents are regulated in Washington State. While this statute is often short and easy to overlook, it has significant legal implications — as it imports broad procedural and enforcement authority into the bail bond licensing framework. Understanding how this statute connects to the broader regulatory regime helps both licensees and consumers appreciate how licensing, discipline, and unlicensed practice are governed in the state.
What RCW 18.185.240 Says
At its core, RCW 18.185.240 states:
“The Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act, chapter 18.235 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter.”
This statute is part of Chapter 18.185 RCW, which is the bail bond agent licensing chapter of Washington law. RCW Chapter 18.185 establishes the requirements, duties, and enforcement mechanisms that apply to bail bond agents and agencies operating in the state.
Why the Uniform Regulation Act Matters
Integrating Core Regulatory Procedures
By reference, RCW 18.185.240 pulls in the broader licensing framework found in chapter 18.235 RCW — known as the Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act. This chapter includes a comprehensive set of rules about:
- What constitutes unlicensed practice and how it is enforced
- Standards for issuing or denying professional licenses
- Grounds and procedures for disciplinary action
- Administrative procedures for hearings and appeals
Without this statutory link, the bail bond licensing chapter would have to repeat all of those general governance rules. By incorporating them by reference, the legislature ensures consistency across different professional regulatory chapters in Title 18 of the Revised Code of Washington.
Governing Unlicensed Practice
One critical effect is that individuals or businesses that act as bail bond agents without a license are subject to the same enforcement tools found under chapter 18.235 RCW. This includes authority for the Department of Licensing to pursue:
- Injunctions to stop unlicensed practice
- Civil penalties
- Administrative sanctions
These enforcement mechanisms help protect the public by deterring unlicensed or unethical activity in a field that involves financial risk and legal accountability.
How the Uniform Regulation Act Works with Bail Bond Licensing
Licensing Authority
Under Chapter 18.185 RCW, the Department of Licensing administers the licensing of bail bond agents and agencies. That includes setting qualifications, issuing licenses, handling renewals, and maintaining records. RCW 18.185.240 confirms that in so doing, the Department must comply with the procedural and enforcement framework established in the Uniform Regulation Act.
Discipline and Enforcement
If a licensed bail bond agent engages in misconduct, fails to meet standards, or violates laws governing the profession, the Department can initiate disciplinary action under the provisions of the Uniform Regulation Act. This statutory incorporation ensures consistent standards for discipline across regulated professions.
Key Takeaways for Bail Bond Agents and Consumers
- RCW 18.185.240 is short but powerful — it brings the full force of the Uniform Regulation Act into bail bond agent regulation.
- It ensures uniform procedures for license issuance, denial, discipline, and enforcement across professions.
- Licensees and applicants should know it applies to all administrative actions involving their professional credentials.
For bail bond professionals, understanding this statute helps clarify your legal obligations and the framework that governs how the Department of Licensing operates.
Contact Blanford Law
If you have questions about bail bond agent licensing, professional discipline, or unlicensed practice under Washington law, Blanford Law can help.
Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for guidance on your legal matter.
Additional Resources
Washington Bail Bond Agent Licensing — RCW Chapter 18.185
A complete listing of statutory sections governing bail bond agents in Washington.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.185
Justia: RCW 18.185.240 Text
An online annotated version of RCW 18.185.240 showing how the statute fits into Washington law.
https://law.justia.com/codes/washington/title-18/chapter-18-185/section-18-185-240/
Uniform Regulation Act — RCW Chapter 18.235
Full text of the Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act incorporated by reference in RCW 18.185.240.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.235
Washington Department of Licensing — Professional Licensing
Official resource explaining professional regulation and licensing in Washington.
https://dol.wa.gov/licensing/professional-licensing
Washington State Laws — RCW Overview
General overview of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and how state law is structured.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/
