(1) The commissioner may periodically prepare and publish:

(a) Title 48 RCW, Title 284 WAC, insurance bulletins and technical assistance advisories, and other laws, rules, or regulations relevant to the regulation of insurance;

(b) Manuals and other material relating to examinations for licensure; and

(c) Any other publications authorized under Title 48 RCW.

(2) The commissioner may provide copies of the publications referred to in subsection (1)(a) of this section free of charge to:

(a) Public offices and officers in this state;

(b) Public officials of other states and jurisdictions that regulate insurance;

(c) The library of congress; and

(d) Officers of the armed forces of the United States of America located at military installations in this state who are concerned with insurance transactions at or involving the military installations.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the commissioner shall sell the publications referred to in subsection (1) of this section. The commissioner may charge a reasonable price that is not less than the cost of publication, handling, and distribution. The commissioner shall promptly deposit all funds received under this subsection with the state treasurer to the credit of the insurance commissioner's regulatory account. For appropriation purposes, the funds received and deposited by the commissioner are a recovery of a previous expenditure.