News for Legislation
Initiative 976 cuts transportation dollars across the state
AGC is opposing Initiative 976, popularly known as Tim Eyman’s $30 car tabs initiative. Among AGC’s many concerns about the measure is its elimination of Transportation Benefit Districts, mechanisms that local governments use to fund road projects.
Posted on: 09/20/2019
AGC Board votes to oppose Initiative 976
AGC’s Board of Trustees voted Monday to oppose Initiative 976, which would eliminate billions in transportation spending. AGC’s’ Government Affairs Committee had previously met to discuss the initiative and to make an “oppose” recommendation to the Board.
Posted on: 09/10/2019
New pay-equity legislation bars employers from seeking applicant’s wage and salary history
In 2018, Washington State joined the ranks of states enacting expanded legislation designed to achieve gender-based pay equity when it enacted the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (the “EPOA”).
Posted on: 07/15/2019
Recap of $1B+ in new taxes passed by the Legislature
During this year’s legislative session, the Washington State Legislature passed several tax bills that will increase total revenues by $1.1 billion.
Posted on: 06/18/2019
WSDOT prepares mandatory small biz and veteran goals as mentor-protégé program enters evaluation phase
WSDOT has concluded the drafting of rules establishing mandatory subcontracting goals for small businesses and veterans.
Posted on: 06/03/2019
Legislature reinstates affirmative action with the passing of I-1000
During the final hours of the past legislative session, the Legislature passed I-1000, an initiative amending the previously enacted I-200, which banned affirmative action efforts in Washington.
Posted on: 05/20/2019
Condo liability reform legislation signed into law
On April 30, the Governor signed condo liability reform legislation, SB 5334, which is intended to revise overreaching condo warranty liability from the 1990s and allow for more new condo construction.
Posted on: 05/06/2019
Prevailing-wage changes: Increased penalties, greater enforcement, certified payrolls, cut fees, expanded coverage
The Legislature just passed several measures impacting the state’s prevailing-wage program. AGC members are encouraged to become familiar with this information -- particularly the increased penalties and enforcement!
Posted on: 05/06/2019
Capital budget: Nearly $5 billion for schools, universities, cleanups and housing
The Legislature passed a $4.9-billion 2019-2021 capital budget shortly before adjournment of the Legislature. The total includes $3.2 billion from proceeds of state general-obligation bonds. This is a significant increase over the previous biennial capital budget, which totaled $4.4 billion.
Posted on: 04/30/2019
Operating budget: New taxes, big spending
A billion dollars in new taxes and an 18 percent increase in spending are highlights of the state biennial budget passed by the Legislature Sunday night, just 15 minutes before a midnight deadline to adjourn.
Posted on: 04/30/2019
Transportation budget: $10 billion for two years, no new major package
Lawmakers adopted a $9.8 billion transportation budget for the 2019-20 biennium. The two year budget provides additional investments for a new 144-car hybrid electric ferry, conversion of an existing ferry, and terminal improvements.
Posted on: 04/30/2019
Legislature passes Initiative 1000 regarding affirmative action
In a surprise and last-minute move, the Legislature passed Initiative 1000 which would once again allow affirmative action programs in the state.
Posted on: 04/30/2019
Contact your State House & Senate members NOW to urge them to OPPOSE the billion-dollar tax increase!
We are very concerned that this budget will include at least some of the tax proposals that have been under consideration.
Posted on: 04/25/2019
Legislature passes bill requiring building owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Under bill E3SHB 1257, recently passed by the Legislature, many commercial office buildings will have to take actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Funding is available to help building owners in the transition. Plus, the bill requires new buildings with parking to provide electric charging stations.
Posted on: 04/23/2019
Expanded use of design-build and JOC approved by Legislature
A bill that allows greater use of design-build and job order contracting by public owners recently passed the Legislature.
Posted on: 04/23/2019
Proposed state budgets feature capital gains, B&O and REET taxes
Democratic leaders in the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives have proposed differing biennial budgets for 2019-2021, but they do have two things in common: They are both way bigger than the previous state budget, and they both feature tax increases.
Posted on: 04/09/2019
State House passes $10 billion transportation biennial budget
The State House of Representatives has passed its version of the 2019-21 biennial transportation budget, with total funding of $10 billion, up about $600 million from the previous budget. The Senate version is similar and awaits action on the Senate floor.
Posted on: 04/08/2019
House passes $4.6-billion capital budget giving boost to K-12, higher ed construction
The state construction budget, and accompanying bond bill, passed the House of Representatives last week. The $4.6 billion capital budget, prime sponsored by House Capital Budget Committee Chair Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend) invests heavily in public schools and colleges, mental health and environmental projects.
Posted on: 04/08/2019
Pay data for Obama-Era EEO-1 report potentially due Sept. 30, 2019
Pending court approval, AGC calls for more time to comply
Posted on: 04/04/2019
Contact your State House members NOW and urge them to oppose the billion-dollar tax package!
Contact State House members NOW and urge them to oppose this billion-dollar tax package.
Posted on: 03/29/2019
Proposed state budget includes capital gains, B&O and REET tax increases
House Democrats unveiled a two-year state budget proposal that seeks $1.4B in new revenue, including a new 9.9% capital gains tax, a 20% (and up) B&O tax increase for many businesses, and an increase in the real estate excise tax (REET).
Posted on: 03/26/2019
Ill-conceived contractor-liability bill dies in Legislature
The number of anti-business bills introduced in Olympia this year has been unprecedented. But thanks to a worthy effort from AGC and its members, general contractors and subcontractors alike will not be as easy targets in years to come for double-payment liability on private projects.
Posted on: 03/26/2019
AGC-backed hazardous clean-up bill heading toward passage
Legislation to speed up the clean-up of certain contaminated properties in order to get them into productive economic use more quickly is moving through the Legislature.
Posted on: 03/12/2019
$15-B transportation package passes Senate Committee
Forward Washington — a comprehensive 10-year transportation and environmental plan to invest in infrastructure and green technology projects throughout the state — was passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee March 6.
Posted on: 03/12/2019
Action Alert: Oppose mandatory bid listing
New legislation (SB 5457) in Olympia would require a general contractor to list ALL subs at the time of bid.