Bill > HB1549

This bill modifies the responsible bidder criteria for public works projects in Washington state by introducing several key changes. The bill requires bidders to meet specific criteria before being awarded a public works contract, including having proper licensing, business registrations, and insurance coverage. A significant new requirement is the mandatory submission of an apprentice utilization plan for projects subject to apprenticeship utilization requirements, which must include details like projected project dates, estimated work hours, and apprenticeship program contacts. The bill also adjusts training requirements, now allowing bidders to qualify if they have completed at least one public works project in the past three years without violations or if they have a designated employee who has received recent training on public works and prevailing wage regulations. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Labor and Industries publish verification information and apprentice utilization plans online to help contracting agencies easily verify bidder compliance. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and expire on July 1, 2027, providing a temporary framework for implementing these new bidder responsibility criteria.