Bill > HB1256

This bill establishes new requirements for public works projects in Washington state, focusing on the use of products manufactured in the United States. Specifically, for public works projects receiving over $500,000 in state funding, the bill mandates that iron, steel, aluminum, and manufactured products used must be manufactured in the United States. The bill defines "manufactured in the United States" as products where either: (a) for iron or steel, all manufacturing processes occur in the U.S., or (b) for other manufactured products, the product is made in the U.S. and at least 55% of its component costs are from U.S. sources. Agencies can seek a waiver of this requirement if they can demonstrate that U.S. materials are not available in sufficient quantities, would significantly increase project costs (by more than 25%), or that meeting the requirement would be inconsistent with the public interest. Any waiver must include a 30-day public comment period and a published justification. The bill also includes provisions for contract penalties, stating that parties who falsely label products as "Made in America" can be debarred from future public works contracts. Additionally, the bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act conflicts with federal funding requirements, only that specific part would be invalidated while the rest of the act remains in effect.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1256&Year=2025&Initiative=false