This bill amends various sections of Washington state law concerning public works contracting, particularly for districts and second-class cities or towns. Key provisions include the establishment of new thresholds for contract requirements, allowing districts to use unit priced contracts for anticipated work, and clarifying the definition of "exigent public works needs." It permits second-class cities and towns to utilize their own personnel for public works projects costing up to $300,000 under exigent circumstances, ensuring that all project costs encompass labor, materials, supplies, and equipment. The bill also modifies the criteria for determining the "lowest responsible bidder" by eliminating previous conditions that allowed for selecting a second lowest bidder, and mandates annual reporting on public works budgets and expenditures for second-class cities and towns.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for first-class cities, allowing them to address exigent public works needs using their own personnel for projects up to $300,000 without a contract, while limiting such work to 10% of the public works construction budget. It establishes that unit priced contracts must have an initial term of no more than three years with a one-year extension option, and requires invitations for bids to include estimated quantities of work. The bill emphasizes the importance of inviting proposals from certified minority or women contractors and mandates the payment of prevailing wages, which must be updated annually. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance transparency, promote diversity in contracting, and streamline the procurement process for public works projects while ensuring compliance with prevailing wage laws.