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, binding all contractors and subcontractors involved. For school construction projects with an estimated cost of $35 million or more, school districts are required to ensure that contractors and subcontractors agree to negotiate or become parties to a PLA. The bill outlines specific requirements for these agreements, including provisions for competition among contractors, guarantees against job disruptions, and mechanisms for labor-management cooperation.

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 trade, or if requiring a PLA would significantly reduce competition among bidders. The bill also clarifies that projects funded under specific existing laws are exempt from these requirements, and school districts retain the authority to require PLAs in other situations not covered by this legislation. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline school construction projects while ensuring labor standards and efficiency in state procurement.