SSB 6347

SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6347

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 Passed Senate, February 18, 2008

Brief Description: Exempting small counties from certain day labor project requirements.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senator Morton).

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6347 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Holmquist, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair.

Background: County road construction projects may be completed through contracting out the work or, under certain circumstances, the work may be completed by employees of the county, know as day labor. The amount of construction project day labor a county may use is categorized and restricted based on the size of a county's overall road construction budget and the population of the county. For the purpose of calculating day labor, counties are separated into those with a population of less than 50,000 and those with a population that equals or exceeds 50,000. Additionally, based on four categories, the smaller a county's road construction budget, the more day labor can be used.

Summary of Substitute Bill: For the purpose of calculating road construction day labor, county's are separated into those with a population of less than 50,000 but more than 22,000 and those with a population that equals or exceeds 50,000. Counties with a population of less than 22,000 are exempt from construction day labor use restrictions.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Small counties need assistance with the state's day labor policy. This exemption will allow small counties to use more of their existing road equipment. Small counties would not go out and hire more staff based upon this change. Small counties are currently using about 25 percent of their day labor limit. Current law does not provide predictability for planning.

CON: This is not the answer to small counties with limited revenues. This solution removes competition, which can exacerbate the problem. Private contractors do a more efficient job for less.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Morton, prime sponsor; Dennis Bly, Lincoln County Commissioner; Jay Weber, County Road Administration Board; Eric Johnson, Washington State Association of Counties.

CON: Van Collins, Associated General Contractors; Larry Stevens, National Electrical & Mechanical Contractors.