WA HB1966

Removes provisions that allowed local governments to bypass competitive bidding by selecting the second-lowest bidder (within 5% of lowest bid) when the lowest bidder had past performance issues with late, over-budget, or specification-deficient projects

Replaces "prudent utility management" exceptions with new "exigent public works needs" provisions allowing in-house personnel to perform work up to $300,000 for unforeseen circumstances that compromise essential government functions

Limits exigent public works performed by public employees to 10% of the public works construction budget per budget period, with excess amounts deducted from the following period's allowance

Requires annual reporting to the state auditor documenting total public works budgets, construction costs performed by public employees, and whether the 10% threshold was exceeded

Applies to public utility districts, first-class cities, second-class cities and towns, water-sewer districts, and fire protection districts