Updates to public works procurement law—made in the 2023 session but put on hold for review and possible amendment—will remain unchanged for now. SB 6167, introduced this session by Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D–Seattle) to amend the 2023 law, failed to pass the policy committee cutoff deadline.

Regular Bulletin readers will recall the passage of HB 1621 last year, which increased bid limits and allowed for self-performed work. Although the bill was passed and signed into law, its implementation was delayed until June 30, 2024, to give the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) time to formally review the legislation and make recommendations to the Legislature.

CPARB conducted the review over the course of 2023, with the participation of AWC staff and other stakeholders. However, the Board found it would need more time to assess the policy and formulate recommendations. As a result, it put forward SB 6167, outlining only a few key items, including a delay in the effective date for self-performed work and direction to CPARB to provide further recommendations to the Legislature by October 2024. With the failure of SB 6167 to pass, the original effective date of June 30, 2024, remains.

Given that much of the policy in HB 1621 is still unsettled, AWC staff are now determining next steps. As more information develops, we will provide updates to our members.

For a summary of the 2023 law, read AWC’s previous coverage.

SB 6167, which AWC supported, was considered in the Senate this session and passed into the opposite chamber. It was heard in the House Local Government Committee but ultimately did not receive a vote for lack of time.