Stop of Department of Licensing fee increases called for by Dave Paul

OAK HARBOR – State Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) has called on the state Department of Licensing to immediately stop a proposed 25% fee increase.

“Our small businesses are hurting during the pandemic. Raising fees at this time is not just being tone deaf, but it is harmful to small business owners, the economy, and jobs,” Paul said in mid-September. “If the Department of Licensing refuses to back down, then I will introduce legislation to roll back these increases in the next legislative session.

“The Business and Professions Division of the Department of Licensing is proposing 25% fee increases for over 70 professional licenses and professional fees affecting dozens of occupations including cosmetologists, manicurists, home inspectors, and auctioneers. In addition, the Business and Professions Division is proposing 35% fee increases for the professional licenses required for real estate brokers and real estate firms.

“I am equally concerned over the lack of transparency for this process,” Paul said. “These proposed fee increases are buried across dozens of proposed changes to the Washington Administrative Code.”

Paul represents the 10th Legislative District.

Source: Rep. Dave Paul campaign