MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Licensing and Regulation

A voter putting their ballot into a mailbox

November 2025 Ballot Measures: Cities and Towns

December 15, 2025 by Steve Hawley
Category: Public Safety and Welfare , Annexation , Parks and Recreation Finance , Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Programs , Transportation Finance , Licensing and Regulation , Ballot Measures , Business Licenses and Taxes , Property Taxes , City and Town Officials

A large number of city/town public safety local ballot measures appeared in the 2025 November general election, alongside those for transportation and parks and rec programs. Also appearing were a few charter amendments, citizens initiatives, and advisory votes.

Soccer May Bring 750,000 to Washington Next Year. Is Your Short-Term Rental Program Ready?

October 8, 2025 by Leonard Bauer
Category: Tourism , Licensing and Regulation , World Cup 2026

Next summer, fans will gather in the Pacific Northwest and in Fan Zones statewide to watch their favorite team during the 2026 World Cup^TM. Cities, towns, and counties can plan for (and benefit from) this tourist influx, in part, with a robust short-term rental program.

Rolling Rules: How Washington Local Governments Influence Food Cart Operations

August 11, 2025 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Licensing and Regulation

Food carts offer mobile vendors a low-cost, low-barrier way to enter into the food business. How can Washington local governments balance public health, safety, and local planning needs while also encouraging mobile food entrepreneurship?

Eating on the Go: Regulating Food Trucks

August 4, 2025 by MRSC Insight
Category: Licensing and Regulation

Food trucks have gained in popularity over the years: What options do local jurisdictions have in determining how, where, when, and under what conditions food trucks can be operated within their communities?

For Local Fireworks Regulations, Timing is Everything

April 28, 2025 by MRSC Insight
Category: Licensing and Regulation

While state law governs the regulation of fireworks, it also leaves some room for local jurisdictions to enact more restrictive local regulations regarding fireworks use or sales, although more restrictive local laws may not take effect for at least one year after adoption.

Transportation Network Companies: New Legislation Addresses Long-Standing Issues

July 27, 2022 by Steve Gross
Category: Licensing and Regulation

ESHB 2076 creates uniform statewide regulations for Transportation Network Companies to ensure vehicles are safe and fares are transparent, but also to establish minimum per mile, minute, and trip rates for company drivers and provide them with benefits like paid sick time.

As the Pandemic Recedes, Ghost Kitchens Are Here to Stay

October 7, 2021 by Lisa Pool
Category: Development Regulations and Zoning , Licensing and Regulation

Ghost kitchens proliferated during the pandemic once dine-in options were curtailed and restaurants sought to make up lost revenue. With consumer demand still strong, local governments should assess whether their zoning codes address this concept.

Possession and Carrying of Firearms in Washington State: What’s Allowed?

July 1, 2020 by Flannary Collins
Category: Licensing and Regulation

This blog provides a general overview of firearm regulation in Washington State.

2020 Legislative Update on Firearms Regulations

June 29, 2020 by Steve Gross
Category: Licensing and Regulation , New Legislation and Regulations

This post summarizes recent legislation related to firearms regulation in Washington State.

Bitcoin Comes to Washington

May 22, 2018 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Utilities , Licensing and Regulation

What is cryptocurrency and why have public utility districts, cities, and counties across the state enacted ordinances and moratoriums impacting the businesses seeking to profit from "mining" cryptocurrency? This blog post looks at the complexities.

Firearms Regulation at the Local Government Level

March 20, 2018 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Licensing and Regulation

In the wake of the latest mass shooting, many are asking what their local governments can do to prevent such tragedies.This blog post discusses state preemption of firearms regulation and explores known options available to municipalities.

12 Examples of Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations

November 22, 2017 by Steve Butler
Category: Tourism , Licensing and Regulation

The issue of internet-based, short-term vacation rentals has been in the news for several years thanks to the growth of companies like Airbnb and VRBO. This post offers examples of local government short-term vacation rental regulations.

What Can Local Governments Do About Drones

March 10, 2017 by Robert Sepler
Category: Licensing and Regulation

Wondering what the latest is regarding drones? This blog post provides a quick overview of what local governments in Washington can and cannot do to regulate drone use in their jurisdiction.

Regulating E-Cigarettes: The Federal Government Steps In

July 11, 2016 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Licensing and Regulation

After months of review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued final regulations governing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes, vapor liquids, and some tobacco products. The federal regulations come soon after the passage of a new Washington law (ESSB 6328) that, among other things, also regulates the sale of e-cigarettes and vapor products and prohibits their sale to persons under the age of 18. The federal regulations make additional requirements not covered by the state law, but, where both address the same subject, there does not appear to be any conflict.

New Law Regulates E-Cigarettes and Vapor Products

April 20, 2016 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Licensing and Regulation

The Legislature adopted new legislation (ESSB 6328) this session to regulate the e-cigarette and vapor product industry in Washington. Here is a summary of some of the key provisions of the new law.