reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 18.44.251 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.251 - Waiver—Affidavit.

RCW 18.44.251 Waiver—Affidavit.A request for a waiver of the required errors and omissions policy may be accomplished under the statute by submitting to the director an affidavit that substantially addresses the following:REQUEST FOR WAIVER OFERRORS AND OMISSIONS POLICYI,  . . . . . ., residing at  . . . . . ., City of  . . . . . ., County of  . . . . . ., State of Washington, declare the following:(1) An errors and omissions policy is not reasonably available to a substantial number of licensed escrow officers; and(2) Purchasing an errors and omissions policy is cost-prohibitive at this time; and(3) I have not engaged in any conduct that resulted in the termination of my escrow certificate; and(4) I have not paid, directly or through an errors and omissions policy, claims in excess of ten thousand dollars, exclusive of costs and attorneys' fees, during the calendar year preceding submission of this affidavit; and(5) I have not paid, directly or through an errors and omissions policy, claims, exclusive of costs and attorneys' fees, totaling in excess of twenty thousand dollars in the three calendar years immediately preceding submission of this affidavit; and(6) I have not been convicted of a crime involving honesty or moral turpitude during the calendar year preceding submission of this application.THEREFORE, in consideration of the above, I,  . . . . . ., respectfully request that the director of financial institutions grant this request for a waiver of the requirement that I purchase and maintain an errors and omissions policy covering my activities as an escrow agent licensed by the state of Washington for the period from  . . . . . ., (year) . . . ., to  . . . . . ., (year) . . . .Submitted this day of  . . . . day of  . . . . . ., (year) . . . . (signature)State of Washington,County of  . . . . . . . .ss.I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that  . . . . . . . . ., signed this instrument and acknowledged it to be  . . . . . . . . . free and voluntary act for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument. Dated . . . . Signature of Notary Public . . . .(Seal or stamp)Title . . . . My appointment expires . . . .[ 2016 c 202 § 21; 2011 1st sp.s. c 21 § 47; 1995 c 238 § 5; 1987 c 471 § 10. Formerly RCW 18.44.380.]NOTES:Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: See note following RCW 72.23.025.Effective date—1995 c 238: See note following RCW 18.44.011.Effective date—Severability—1987 c 471: See notes following RCW 18.44.231.
WA Rev Code § 18.44.261 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.261 - Waiver—Determination.

RCW 18.44.261 Waiver—Determination.The director shall, within thirty days following submission of a written petition for waiver of the insurance requirements found in RCW 18.44.201, issue a written determination granting or rejecting an applicant's request for waiver.[ 2000 c 171 § 13; 1987 c 471 § 6. Formerly RCW 18.44.385.]NOTES:Effective date—Severability—1987 c 471: See notes following RCW 18.44.231.
WA Rev Code § 18.44.270 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.270 - Application of administrative procedure act.

RCW 18.44.270 Application of administrative procedure act.The proceedings for revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew or accept an application for renewal of an escrow agent's registration or escrow officer license, and any appeal therefrom or review thereof shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW.[ 1977 ex.s. c 156 § 17; 1971 ex.s. c 245 § 14.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.271 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.271 - Waiver—Certificate of waiver.

RCW 18.44.271 Waiver—Certificate of waiver.Upon granting a waiver of insurance requirements found in RCW 18.44.201, the director shall issue a certificate of waiver, which certificate shall be mailed to the escrow agent who requested the waiver.[ 2000 c 171 § 14; 1987 c 471 § 7. Formerly RCW 18.44.390.]NOTES:Effective date—Severability—1987 c 471: See notes following RCW 18.44.231.
WA Rev Code § 18.44.281 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.281 - Waiver—Denial.

RCW 18.44.281 Waiver—Denial.Upon determining that a licensed escrow agent is to be denied a waiver of the errors and omissions policy requirements of RCW 18.44.201, the director shall within thirty days of the denial of an escrow agent's request for same, provide to the escrow agent a written explanation of the reasons for the director's decision to deny the requested waiver.[ 2000 c 171 § 15; 1987 c 471 § 8. Formerly RCW 18.44.395.]NOTES:Effective date—Severability—1987 c 471: See notes following RCW 18.44.231.
WA Rev Code § 18.44.291 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.291 - Waiver—Application by escrow license applicant.

RCW 18.44.291 Waiver—Application by escrow license applicant.Nothing in RCW 18.44.201, 18.44.241 through 18.44.261, 18.44.271, and 18.44.281 shall be construed as prohibiting a person applying for an escrow license from applying for a certificate of waiver of the errors and omissions policy requirement when seeking an escrow license.[ 2000 c 171 § 16; 1987 c 471 § 9. Formerly RCW 18.44.398.]NOTES:Effective date—Severability—1987 c 471: See notes following RCW 18.44.231.
WA Rev Code § 18.44.305 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.305 - Financial interest in an escrow agent—Prohibited practices.

RCW 18.44.305 Financial interest in an escrow agent—Prohibited practices.(1) An escrow agent, officer or employee of any escrow agent, or person who has a financial interest in an escrow agent shall not, directly or indirectly, give any fee, kickback, payment, or other thing of value to any person as an inducement, reward for placing business, referring business, or causing title insurance business to be given to a title insurance agent in which the escrow agent or person having a financial interest in the escrow agent also has a financial interest.(2) An escrow agent or person who has a financial interest in an escrow agent shall not either solicit or accept, or both, anything of value from: A title insurance company, a title insurance agent, or the employees or representatives of a title insurance company or title insurance agent, that a title insurance company or title insurance agent is not permitted by law or rule to give to the escrow agent or person who has a financial interest in the escrow agent.(3) An escrow agent or person who has a financial interest in an escrow agent shall not prevent or deter a title insurance company, title insurance agent, or their employees or representatives from delivering to an escrow agent or its employees, independent contractors, and clients printed promotional material concerning only title insurance services as long as:(a) The material is business appropriate and is not misleading or false;(b) The material does not malign the escrow agent, its employees, independent contractors, or affiliates;(c) The delivery of the materials is limited to those areas of the escrow agent's physical office reserved for unrestricted public access; and(d) The conduct of the employees or representatives are appropriate for a business setting and do not threaten the safety or health of anyone in the escrow agent's office.(4) An escrow agent shall not require a consumer, as a condition of providing real estate settlement services, to obtain title insurance from a title insurance agent in which the escrow agent has a financial interest.[ 2008 c 110 § 11.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.311 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.311 - Prohibited employment practices.

RCW 18.44.311 Prohibited employment practices.(1) A licensed escrow agent may not directly or indirectly employ a person who will be handling escrow transactions who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contrendre to, a felony or a gross misdemeanor involving dishonesty within the last seven years.(2) A licensed escrow agent may not directly or indirectly employ a person who receives money for trust accounts, disburses funds, or acts as a signatory on trust accounts if the person has shown a disregard in the management of his or her financial condition in the last three years.(3) The director may adopt rules to implement this section.[ 2010 c 34 § 4.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.410 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.410 - Powers of director.

RCW 18.44.410 Powers of director.(1) The director has the power and broad administrative discretion to administer and interpret this chapter to facilitate the delivery of services to citizens of this state by escrow agents and others subject to this chapter.(2) The director may issue rules and regulations to govern the activities of licensed escrow agents and escrow officers. The director shall enforce all laws and rules relating to the licensing of escrow agents and escrow officers and fix the time and places for holding examinations of applicants for licenses and prescribe the method of conducting the examinations. The director may hold hearings and suspend or revoke the licenses of violators and may deny, suspend, or revoke the authority of an escrow officer to act as the designated escrow officer of a person who commits violations of this chapter or of the rules under this chapter.Except as specifically provided in this chapter, the rules adopted and the hearings conducted shall be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act.[ 1999 c 30 § 27; 1977 ex.s. c 156 § 25. Formerly RCW 18.44.320.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.413 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.413 - Informal settlement of complaints or enforcement actions.

RCW 18.44.413 Informal settlement of complaints or enforcement actions.Except to the extent prohibited by another statute, the director may engage in informal settlement of complaints or enforcement actions including, but not limited to, payment to the department for purposes of financial literacy and education programs authorized under RCW 43.320.150.[ 2012 c 17 § 14.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.420 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.420 - Investigation of violations—Procedure—Powers of director.

RCW 18.44.420 Investigation of violations—Procedure—Powers of director.The director may:(1) Make necessary public or private investigations within or outside of this state to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate this chapter or any rule or order under this chapter, or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the prescribing of rules and forms under this chapter; or(2) Require or permit any person to file a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the director determines, as to all facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated.For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the director or any officer designated by the director may administer oaths or affirmations, and upon his or her own motion or upon request of any party, may subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any matter which is relevant to the investigation, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having knowledge or relevant facts, or any other matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence.Upon failure to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by the investigating officer and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected thereby, the director may apply to the superior court for an order compelling compliance.Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all proceedings under this chapter shall be in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.[ 1999 c 30 § 23; 1977 ex.s. c 156 § 21. Formerly RCW 18.44.280.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.425 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.425 - Subpoena authority—Application—Contents—Notice—Fees.

RCW 18.44.425 Subpoena authority—Application—Contents—Notice—Fees.(1) The director or authorized assistants may apply for and obtain a superior court order approving and authorizing a subpoena in advance of its issuance. The application may be made in the county where the subpoenaed person resides or is found, or the county where the subpoenaed documents, records, or evidence are located, or in Thurston county. The application must:(a) State that an order is sought under this section;(b) Adequately specify the documents, records, evidence, or testimony; and(c) Include a declaration made under oath that an investigation is being conducted for a lawfully authorized purpose related to an investigation within the department's authority and that the subpoenaed documents, records, evidence, or testimony are reasonably related to an investigation within the department's authority.(2) When an application under this section is made to the satisfaction of the court, the court must issue an order approving the subpoena. An order under this subsection constitutes authority of law for the agency to subpoena the documents, records, evidence, or testimony.(3) The director or authorized assistants may seek approval and a court may issue an order under this section without prior notice to any person, including the person to whom the subpoena is directed and the person who is the subject of an investigation. An application for court approval is subject to the fee and process set forth in RCW 36.18.012(3).[ 2011 c 93 § 2.]NOTES:Finding—Intent—2011 c 93: "The legislature finds that in the case of State v. Miles, the state supreme court held that Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution requires judicial review of a subpoena under some circumstances. The legislature intends to provide a process for the department to apply for court approval of an agency investigative subpoena that is authorized under law in cases when the agency seeks approval, or when court approval is required by Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution. The legislature does not intend to require court approval except when otherwise required by law or Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution." [ 2011 c 93 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.440 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.440 - Violations—Cease and desist orders.

RCW 18.44.440 Violations—Cease and desist orders.If the director determines after notice and hearing that a person has:(1) Violated any provision of this chapter; or(2) Directly, or through an agent or employee, engaged in any false, unfair and deceptive, or misleading:(a) Advertising or promotional activity; or(b) Business practices; or(3) Violated any lawful order or rule of the director; the director may issue an order requiring the person to cease and desist from the unlawful practice and to take such affirmative action as in the judgment of the director will carry out the purposes of this chapter.If the director makes a finding of fact in writing that the public interest will be irreparably harmed by delay in issuing an order, the director may issue a temporary cease and desist order. Every temporary cease and desist order shall include in its terms a provision that upon request a hearing will be held to determine whether or not the order becomes permanent.[ 1999 c 30 § 19; 1977 ex.s. c 156 § 20. Formerly RCW 18.44.175.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.450 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.450 - Referral fees prohibited—Consumer protection act—Application.

RCW 18.44.450 Referral fees prohibited—Consumer protection act—Application.(1) "Real property lender" as used in this section means a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, mortgage company, or other corporation, association, or partnership that makes loans secured by real property located in this state.(2) No real property lender, escrow agent, or officer or employee of any escrow agent or real property lender may give or agree to pay or give any money, service, or object of value to any real estate agent or broker, to any real property lender, or to any officer or employee of any agent, broker, or lender in return for the referral of any real estate escrow services. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the payment of fees or other compensation permitted under the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act as amended (12 U.S.C. sections 2601 through 2617).(3) The legislature finds that the practices governed by this subsection are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. Any violation of this section is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair and deceptive act or practice and an unfair method of competition in the conduct of trade or commerce in violation of RCW 19.86.020. Remedies provided by chapter 19.86 RCW are cumulative and not exclusive.[ 2000 c 171 § 17; 1999 c 30 § 33; 1988 c 178 § 3. Formerly RCW 18.44.145.]NOTES:Severability—1988 c 178: See note following RCW 18.44.400.
WA Rev Code § 18.44.455 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.455 - Possession of property and business—Grounds for director's authority.

RCW 18.44.455 Possession of property and business—Grounds for director's authority.(1) The director may immediately take possession of the property and business of a licensee whenever it appears to the director that, as a result of an examination, report, investigation, or complaint:(a) The licensee is conducting its business in such an unsafe or unsound manner as to render its further operations hazardous to the public;(b) The licensee has suspended payment of its trust obligations; or(c) The licensee neglects or refuses to comply with any order of the director made pursuant to this chapter unless the enforcement of such an order is restrained in a proceeding brought by the licensee.(2) The director may retain possession of the licensee's property and business until the licensee resumes business or its affairs are finally liquidated as provided in RCW 18.44.470. The licensee may only resume business upon those terms as the director may prescribe.[ 2010 c 34 § 11.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.457 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.457 - Possession of property and business—Scope of director's authority.

RCW 18.44.457 Possession of property and business—Scope of director's authority.(1) During the time that the director retains possession of the property and business of a licensee, the director has the power and authority to conduct the licensee's business and take any action on behalf of the licensee to protect consumers, including but not limited to discontinuing any violations and unsafe or injurious practices, making good any deficiencies, and making claims against the licensee's fidelity bond, errors and omissions bond, or surety bond on behalf of the company.(2) The director, the department, and its employees are not subject to liability for actions under this section and RCW 18.44.455 and no moneys from the department's fund may be required to be expended on behalf of the licensee or the licensee's clients, creditors, employees, shareholders, members, investors, or any other party or entity.[ 2013 c 64 § 3; 2010 c 34 § 12.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.460 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.460 - License suspension—Nonpayment or default on educational loan or scholarship.

RCW 18.44.460 License suspension—Nonpayment or default on educational loan or scholarship.The director shall suspend the license of any person who has been certified by a lending agency and reported to the director for nonpayment or default on a federally or state-guaranteed educational loan or service-conditional scholarship. Prior to the suspension, the agency must provide the person an opportunity for a brief adjudicative proceeding under RCW 34.05.485 through 34.05.494 and issue a finding of nonpayment or default on a federally or state-guaranteed educational loan or service-conditional scholarship. The person's license shall not be reissued until the person provides the director a written release issued by the lending agency stating that the person is making payments on the loan in accordance with a repayment agreement approved by the lending agency. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for licensing during the suspension, reinstatement shall be automatic upon receipt of the notice and payment of any reinstatement fee the director may impose.[ 1999 c 30 § 15; 1996 c 293 § 11. Formerly RCW 18.44.125.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.465 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.465 - Termination of license—Effect upon preexisting escrows—Notice to principals.

RCW 18.44.465 Termination of license—Effect upon preexisting escrows—Notice to principals.The revocation, suspension, surrender, or expiration of an escrow agent's license shall not impair or affect preexisting escrows accepted by the agent prior to such revocation, suspension, surrender, or expiration: PROVIDED, That the escrow agent shall within five workdays provide written notice to all principals of such preexisting escrows of the agent's loss of license. The notice shall include as a minimum the reason for the loss of license, the estimated date for completing the escrow, and the condition of the agent's bond and whether it is in effect or whether notice of cancellation has been given. The notice shall afford the principals the right to withdraw the escrow without monetary loss.[ 1999 c 30 § 16; 1977 ex.s. c 156 § 9; 1965 c 153 § 13. Formerly RCW 18.44.130.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.470 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.470 - Receivership.

RCW 18.44.470 Receivership.Upon application by the director or any other interested party and upon a showing that the interest of the creditors so requires, the superior court may appoint a receiver to take over, operate, or liquidate any escrow office in this state.[ 1971 ex.s. c 245 § 6. Formerly RCW 18.44.190.]
WA Rev Code § 18.44.480 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 18 - Businesses and Professions|Chapter 18.44 - Escrow Agent Registration Act.|18.44.480 - Remedies—Affecting corporate franchise.

RCW 18.44.480 Remedies—Affecting corporate franchise.Upon petition by the attorney general, the court may, in its discretion, order the dissolution, or suspension or forfeiture of franchise, of any corporation for repeated or flagrant violation of this chapter or the terms of any order of injunction hereunder.[ 1965 c 153 § 18. Formerly RCW 18.44.170.]