This bill introduces a new section to chapter 28A.525 RCW, establishing guidelines for architectural and engineering fee funding assistance limits for school district construction and modernization projects. It mandates that school districts select their architectural and engineering consultants in accordance with chapter 39.80 RCW and negotiate contracts with the most qualified consultants at fair and reasonable prices, considering the project's scope and complexity.

Additionally, the bill sets forth specific state maximum allowable costs for architectural and engineering services based on the latest edition of the American Institute of Architects' handbook. The funding assistance limits for new construction projects are detailed in a tiered structure based on square footage, with percentages of construction costs ranging from 5.0% for projects under 3,700 square feet to 3.0% for projects over 183,500 square feet. For modernization projects, the funding assistance is set at 1.5 times the amount calculated for new construction, and for projects that combine both new construction and modernization, the limits are prorated accordingly.