The bill amends Washington state law concerning public works contracting, specifically for districts and second-class cities or towns. It establishes contract thresholds, requiring contracts for purchases over $30,000 and for public works projects exceeding $150,000 (or $75,500 for single craft projects). A significant new provision allows second-class cities and towns to utilize their own personnel for exigent public works needs for projects costing up to $300,000, provided these projects are not divided into smaller units to evade the limit. Additionally, any declarations of exigency must be documented and available for public inspection. The bill also outlines competitive bidding processes, emphasizing the importance of prevailing wage compliance and introducing annual reporting requirements for public works expenditures.

Further amendments are made for first-class cities and towns, establishing that unit priced contracts must have an initial term of no more than three years, with a possible one-year extension. The bill mandates that invitations for unit price bids include estimated quantities and specifies the awarding of contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, while encouraging proposals from certified minority or women contractors. It also allows first-class cities to address exigent public works needs similarly, utilizing their personnel for projects up to $300,000 without a contract. The bill clarifies definitions related to bidding and exigent needs, ensuring transparency and accountability in public works contracting, while also introducing provisions for water-sewer and fire protection districts to utilize in-house personnel under similar conditions.