(1) A timeshare offering registration must be effective before any advertisement, solicitation of an offer, or any offer or sale of a timeshare may be made in this state.

(2) An applicant shall apply for registration by filing with the director:

(a) A copy of the disclosure document prepared in accordance with RCW 64.36.140 and signed by the applicant;

(b) An application for registration prepared in accordance with RCW 64.36.030;

(c) An irrevocable consent to service of process signed by the applicant;

(d) The prescribed registration fee; and

(e) Any other information the director may by rule require in the protection of the public interest.

(3) The registration requirements do not apply to:

(a) An offer, sale, or transfer of not more than one timeshare in any twelve-month period;

(b) A gratuitous transfer of a timeshare;

(c) A sale under court order;

(d) A sale by a government or governmental agency;

(e) A sale by forfeiture, foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure; or

(f) A sale of a timeshare property or all timeshare units therein to any one purchaser.

(4) The director may by rule or order exempt any potential registrant from the requirements of this chapter if the director finds registration is unnecessary for the protection of the public interest.

(5)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, any person who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(b) Any person who knowingly violates this section is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

(c) No indictment or information for a felony may be returned under this chapter more than five years after the alleged violation.

Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.