The bill modifies the criteria for determining responsible bidders on public works projects in Washington State. It amends RCW 39.04.350 to include new requirements for bidders, particularly those related to apprenticeship utilization. Specifically, bidders on projects subject to apprenticeship requirements must submit an apprentice utilization plan to the awarding agency before receiving a notice to proceed. The Department of Labor and Industries is tasked with developing a template for this plan, which must include project timelines, estimated work hours, and educational materials on apprenticeship requirements. Additionally, the bill allows contracting agencies to exempt bidders from these requirements if they have previously met or exceeded the apprenticeship utilization requirements on their last completed project.

The bill also introduces supplemental criteria that state or municipal agencies may adopt for determining bidder responsibility, which must be included in the bidding documents. It establishes a process for potential bidders to request modifications to these criteria and outlines the appeal process for bidders deemed not responsible. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Labor and Industries publish information to help contracting agencies verify bidder compliance with the established criteria. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will expire on July 1, 2027, with additional provisions taking effect on July 1, 2027.

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