HB 1259, sponsored by Rep. Tomiko Santos (D–Seattle), expands public contracting opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses and increases regulatory oversight of the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE).

While much of the bill concerns establishing regulatory standards for OMWBE, the legislation also amends the project cost cap for local governments and their contracted public works projects:

• Local governments may award contracts to the small works roster for projects with an estimated cost of $500,000 (currently capped at $350,000).
• Local governments must notify all small works roster contractors that a quotation for work is being sought if the estimated cost of work is between $150,000 and $500,000 (currently $250,000 and $350,000).
• Local governments may award contracts using the limited public works process when project is estimated to cost less than $150,000 (currently $50,000).

Dates to remember

HB 1259 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Community and Economic Development Committee on January 26 at 10 am. The bill is scheduled for executive session in the House Community and Economic Development Committee on January 29 at 8:30 am.