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WashingtonSB 61702025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Adjusting monetary limits regarding contracting rules for state highway construction work and procurement.

Sponsored By: Curtis King (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Ferry work: higher in-house limit, quick bids

For ferry vessels and terminals, state crews can do work under $100,000. During the 2025–2027 fiscal biennium, that in‑house limit is $400,000. For jobs between $100,000 and $200,000 (or $400,000 to $500,000 in 2025–2027), the department contacts the small works roster and gives 72 hours to respond. If a qualified contractor replies in time, the small works process starts; if not, regular contracting applies. If the secretary determines an emergency, emergency procedures apply.

New small-project rules for highway contractors

For highway work estimated under $100,000, the department can use its own crews instead of bidding it out. For jobs estimated at $160,000 or less, it can use the small works bidding process. This simplified path is meant to help small, veteran, minority, and women‑owned firms compete. The change shifts very small jobs in‑house and expands simplified bidding for slightly larger jobs.

Faster emergency highway repairs under $160K

When a delay would endanger a highway or travelers, the department uses state crews for jobs under $160,000. Beginning January 1, 2027, it updates this limit each year using a national highway construction cost index and posts the amount online. This speeds urgent repairs that protect the traveling public.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Curtis King

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/20/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 125, 2026 Laws.

    3/20/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/20/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/13/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/12/2026Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. TR - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/9/2026Senate

  10. TR - Majority; do pass.

    3/9/2026Senate

  11. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/9/2026Senate

  12. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/9/2026Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    3/3/2026Senate

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/28/2026Senate

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/28/2026Senate

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/28/2026Senate

  17. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/10/2026Senate

  18. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/6/2026Senate

  19. TRAN - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/5/2026Senate

  20. First reading, referred to Transportation.

    1/15/2026Senate

  21. Introduced

    1/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

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