The bill modifies the responsible bidder criteria for public works projects in Washington State by amending RCW 39.04.350. Key changes include the requirement for bidders on projects subject to apprenticeship utilization requirements to submit an apprentice utilization plan to the awarding agency before receiving the notice to proceed. The Department of Labor and Industries is tasked with developing a template for this plan, which must include essential project details and educational materials on apprentice utilization. Additionally, the bill allows contracting agencies to adopt supplemental criteria for determining bidder responsibility, which must be communicated in the bidding documents.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a verification process for bidders' compliance with responsibility criteria, allowing contracting agencies to rely on publicly available information from the Department of Labor and Industries. It also establishes a timeline for the implementation of these changes, with certain sections taking effect on July 1, 2026, and others on July 1, 2027, while providing an expiration date for specific provisions on July 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and compliance among bidders in public works projects, particularly regarding apprenticeship utilization.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 39.04.350
Substitute Bill: 39.04.350
Second Substitute: 39.04.350
Engrossed Second Substitute: 39.04.350
Bill as Passed Legislature: 39.04.350
Session Law: 39.04.350