HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 1364

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Sayan, Wang, Patrick, R. King, Winsley, Baugher, Vekich, Walker, Cooper and Todd)

Requiring that contractors bidding on public works projects be registered in the state.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (10)

      Signed by Representatives Wang, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fisher, Jones, R. King, O'Brien, Patrick, Sanders, Sayan and Walker.

House Staff:Karen Haynes (786-7779)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 8, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Washington contractors registration statute specifically prohibits unregistered contractors from submitting bids to do work.  Washington public works law also specifically prohibits agencies of the state and its political subdivisions from executing public works contracts with contractors who are not registered contractors in the state of Washington.  However, the public works law does not specify whether these agencies may accept bids from unregistered contractors.

SUMMARY:

Agencies of the state and its political subdivisions may not consider or accept bids on public works contracts from contractors who are not registered or licensed as required by the state of Washington.  An exemption for certain contractors on highway projects is provided.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 21, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Bob Dilger, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This bill is needed because public agencies are uncertain whether they can accept bids from unregistered contractors as long as the agencies do not execute contracts before the contractors become registered.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.