Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

HB 1515

Brief Description:  Changing public works provisions for institutions of higher education.

Sponsors:  Representatives Armstrong, O'Brien, Barlean, Hunt, Schoesler, Eickmeyer, Ahern, Darneille, Anderson, Carrell, G. Chandler, Hatfield, Buck, Lovick and Edwards.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Raises the triggering amount that requires a public bid process from total costs of $25,000 to labor costs of $50,000.

$Raises the triggering amount that requires a public bid process for projects involving only one trade from total costs of $10,000 to labor costs of $20,000.

Hearing Date:  2/21/01

Staff:  Catherine Blinn (786‑7114).

Background: 

Public works projects for regional and state universities and the Evergreen State College that equal or exceed $25,000 are subject to a public bid process, the contract for which must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.  The public bid process must also be used if the project exceeds $10,000 but only involves one trade or craft area.  The prevailing rate of wages must be paid on public works projects of at least $25,000.  The public bid process is not required if the contract is awarded under the small works roster process.  Publication of the project is not required if the estimated cost is under $25,000 or if the contract is awarded under the small works roster process.  Public bid procedures may be waived during an emergency.

Summary of Bill: 

Regional and state universities and the Evergreen State College are required to use a public bid process for public works projects in which labor costs equal or exceed $50,000.  The college and universities are also required to use a public bid process for single trade public works projects in which labor costs exceed $20,000.  The public bid procedure is not required if the contract is awarded under the small works roster process.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.