SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6719
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 January 29, 2008
Title: An act relating to increasing public utility district bid limits to address inflation and increased material costs.
Brief Description: Increasing public utility district bid limits.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Morton, Sheldon, Swecker, Hobbs and Pridemore.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 1/30/08.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: PUD Services Contracting. Public utility districts (PUDs) must contract for work
estimated to cost over $10,000 or work using material costing over $50,000.
PUD Materials Contracting. Generally, PUDs must contract to purchase over $10,000 of items
of one kind. They must also contract to purchase over $5,000 of items of one kind in one-calendar
month.
PUDs may use an informal vendor list contracting procedure when purchasing material of one
kind worth over $10,000 and less than $50,000. This procedure involves soliciting quotations
from at least three vendors on a vendor list whenever possible to assure that a competitive price
is established and that a contract is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. PUDs establish and
revise vendor lists by publishing a notice, at least twice a year, soliciting vendors for inclusion
on the list.
Summary of Bill: PUD Services Contracting. The maximum estimated cost of work done by
PUDs without contracting is raised from $10,000 to $25,000, and the maximum cost of material
used in work by PUDs without contracting is raised from $50,000 to $200,000.
PUD Materials Contracting. The maximum cost of items of one kind purchased without
contracting is raised from $10,000 to $25,000, and the maximum cost of items of one kind
purchased in one-calendar month without contracting is raised from $5,000 to $25,000.
The minimum cost of items of one kind purchased using the vendor list contracting procedure is
raised from $10,000 to $25,000. The maximum cost of items of one kind purchased using that
procedure is raised from $50,000 to $200,000. These limits apply on a per-calendar-month basis.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.