SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2420
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections, February 24, 2026
Title: An act relating to increasing small works roster contract limits.
Brief Description: Increasing small works roster contract limits.
Sponsors: House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Zahn, Tharinger, Parshley, Santos, Nance and Reed).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/26, 94-0.
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections: 2/20/26, 2/24/26 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes phased increases in the maximum value of public works projects for which state agencies and local governments may use small works roster processes, from the current $350,000 to $650,000 by July 1, 2030. 
  • Specifies that sales tax is not included in the estimated cost of a public works project for qualifying for use of the small works roster.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL AFFAIRS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Valdez, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair; Wilson, J., Ranking Member; Fortunato, Hasegawa, McCune and Riccelli.
Staff: Danielle Creech (786-7412)
Background:

Public works include all work, construction, alteration, and repair or improvement, other than ordinary maintenance, that is a cost to the state or a local government. Contracts for public works projects generally are required to be awarded pursuant to a competitive bidding process, subject to certain exceptions, such as the small works roster process.

 

For public works projects estimated to cost $350,000 or less, state agencies and authorized local governments (agencies) may use the small works roster process to award contracts as an alternative to competitive bidding requirements. The small works roster process is a public works contracting method that agencies can use as an alternative to publicly advertising small public works projects. A small works roster includes any responsible contractor who requests to be on the roster, which may be a single, general list, or lists for specialties or categories of work. Agencies must adopt rules, ordinances, or resolutions, as appropriate, to implement their small works roster processes, consistent with statutory requirements.
Summary of Bill:

After December 31, 2026, the maximum cost of a public works project eligible for use of the small works roster is increased in phases as follows:

  • $530,000 or less from January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2027;
  • $560,000 or less from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028;
  • $590,000 or less from July 1, 2028 to June 30, 2029;
  • $620,000 or less from July 1, 2029 to June 30, 2030; and
  • $650,000 or less beginning July 1, 2030.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: This is a good bill that increases efficiency for the administration of these projects. It will allow us to save time and effort, as we have more contractors available on the small works roster to ensure that the lowest bidder is responsive and has a track record of success doing projects. By increasing the small works cap to keep up with inflation, we'll be able to increase the utilization of small minority, veteran, and women owned businesses.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Steve DuPont, Central Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.