SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5958
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. |
As of February 20, 2019
Title: An act relating to public works contracts and interlocal agreements by second-class cities and towns.
Brief Description: Concerning public works contracts and interlocal agreements by second-class cities and towns.
Sponsors: Senators Lovelett and Nguyen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government: 2/21/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: Second-Class City or Town—Public Works. A second-class city or town may contract for public works without a competitive bidding process if:
the estimated cost is $65,000 or less and involves more than one craft or trade; or
the estimated cost is $40,000 or less and involves a single craft or trade or the public works is street signalization or street lighting.
All other public works contracts must be entered into following either a competitive bidding process or the small works roster process.
"Piggybacking." Generally, local government agencies may make purchases using another (the "host") agency's purchasing contract, a process known as "piggybacking." To piggyback on another local government agency's contract:
the host agency and the piggybacking agency must sign an interlocal agreement and file it with the county auditor or post it online by subject;
the host agency must comply with its statutory contracting requirements and post the solicitation online; and
the vendor must agree to the arrangement through the initial solicitation documents.
Summary of Bill: Any obligation related to notices for competitive bidding arising from a local ordinance, local policy, or charter requirement is satisfied for a piggybacking local government agency if:
the host agency and the piggybacking agency sign an interlocal agreement and file it with the county auditor or post it online by subject;
the host agency complies with its statutory contracting requirements and posts the solicitation online; and
the vendor agrees to the arrangement through the initial solicitation documents.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The state auditor has recently disallowed piggybacking for purchases for some smaller jurisdictions. This is a powerful tool for smaller cities to make purchases while potentially saving thousands of dollars. This process is generally applied for public works-related projects.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Liz Lovelett, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.