This bill amends RCW 39.04.350 to modify the criteria for determining responsible bidders on public works projects in Washington State. Key changes include the requirement for bidders to have completed at least one public works project within the last three years without receiving a citation for violations of relevant laws, or to have a designated employee who has received training on public works and prevailing wage requirements within the same timeframe. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for bidders on projects subject to apprentice utilization to submit an apprentice utilization plan within 60 days of being awarded the contract. The Department of Labor and Industries is tasked with developing a template for this plan and publishing it, along with information on bidder compliance, on its website.

The bill also allows state or municipal agencies to adopt supplemental criteria 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 removes previous exemptions for bidders with extensive experience and establishes a new effective date of July 1, 2026, for these changes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 39.04.350