This bill aims to enhance the administration of school construction assistance program projects in Washington by promoting the use of project labor agreements (PLAs). It defines a project labor agreement as a prehire collective bargaining agreement that sets employment terms for a specific construction project, requiring all contractors and subcontractors involved to negotiate or become parties to such agreements for projects with an estimated cost of $35 million or more. The bill outlines specific requirements for these agreements, including binding all contractors, allowing competition regardless of existing collective bargaining agreements, and ensuring mechanisms for labor-management cooperation and dispute resolution.

Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Labor and Industries to grant exceptions to the PLA requirement under certain circumstances, such as when the project is of short duration, involves only one craft, or if requiring a PLA would significantly reduce competition. It also clarifies that school districts can still mandate PLAs in situations not covered by the bill's requirements. The new sections added to chapter 28A.525 RCW aim to streamline the construction process while ensuring labor standards are met.