Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1427

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning county electrical traffic control signals, illumination equipment, and other electrical equipment conveying an electrical current.

Sponsors: Representatives Irwin, Chapman, Fey, Walsh, Shea and Riccelli.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Removes a provision requiring counties to contract for certain electrical projects that cost more than $10,000.

Hearing Date: 2/4/19

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

A county may usually construct or improve any county road using regular employees of the county, subject to certain monetary limitations.

For counties with a population of 400,000 or more, the maximum annual cost of road construction projects undertaken by county employees may not exceed $3,250,000 plus this same amount multiplied by the previous year's county motor vehicle fuel tax distribution factor (distribution factor). For counties with a population equal to or greater than 150,000 and less than 400,000, the maximum annual cost of road construction projects undertaken by county employees may not exceed $1,750,000 plus this same amount multiplied by the previous year's distribution factor. For counties with a population equal to or greater than 30,000 and less than 150,000, the maximum annual cost of road construction projects undertaken by county employees may not exceed $1,250,000 plus this same amount multiplied by the previous year's distribution factor. For counties with a population of less than 30,000, the maximum annual cost of road construction projects undertaken by county employees may not exceed $700,000 plus this same amount multiplied by the previous year's distribution factor.

Whenever the construction work or improvement is the installation of electrical traffic control devices, highway illumination equipment, electrical equipment, wires, or equipment to convey electrical current, in an amount exceeding $10,000 for any one project including labor, equipment, and materials, the work must be performed by contract.

Summary of Bill:

Counties are no longer required to contract for projects that exceed $10,000 in cost and involve the installation of electrical traffic control devices, highway illumination equipment, electrical equipment, wires, or equipment to convey electrical current.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 4, 2019.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.