Bill > HB1723

This bill promotes the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) in school construction projects, defined as pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that establish employment terms for a specific construction project. For school construction projects with an estimated construction contract cost of $35 million or more, school districts must require contractors and subcontractors to negotiate or become party to a project labor agreement. These agreements must bind all contractors, allow fair competition, prevent work disruptions, provide dispute resolution mechanisms, and promote labor-management cooperation. The bill specifies that contractors are not required to agree with any specific labor organization, and certain school construction projects are exempt from these requirements. The Department of Labor and Industries can grant exceptions to the PLA requirement if the agreement would not advance state procurement interests, could reduce competition, or conflict with existing laws. The legislature justifies this bill by stating that project labor agreements create jobs, strengthen the state economy, and improve the efficiency of capital projects, particularly in school district construction.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1723&Year=2025&Initiative=false