The bill amends RCW 36.32.235 to update regulations regarding county purchasing departments and their authority to enter into contracts for public works. It specifies that counties with a purchasing department must conduct competitive bidding for public works projects, with certain exceptions for projects funded by the county road fund or equipment rental and revolving fund. The bill introduces definitions for "riverine project" and "stormwater project," and establishes guidelines for advertising bids, bid deposits, and the awarding of contracts to the lowest responsible bidder.

Notably, the bill allows counties to perform public works with county employees up to 10 percent of the public works construction budget, and it introduces a provision for unit priced contracts specifically for the maintenance or repair of county ferry vessels, which can extend up to 10 years. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of inviting bids from certified minority or woman contractors and mandates that prevailing wages be paid for all work performed under these contracts. The bill also outlines penalties for counties that exceed the allowed percentage of public works performed by employees and provides for emergency work exemptions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.32.235
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.32.235
Session Law: 36.32.235