Changes in Small Works Roster Law

SHB 1328, which became effective on July 22nd, provides additional tools to public agencies using the Small Works Roster process for public works construction projects. While some of the requirements of the legislation are not particularly clear (at least to me), here's my understanding of the impact of the new statute:

1) For a Limited Public Works project (less than $35,000) under the Small Works Roster process, a public agency may restrict which contractors to solicit bids from to those on the Roster with gross revenues less than $1 million annually as reported on the contractor's annual federal income tax return.

2) For a Small Works Roster project (less than $200,000), a public agency may "encourage" contractors with gross annual revenues under $250,000 to submit bids. The practical impact of this provision isn't particularly clear as it seems that a public agency has always had the ability to "encourage" contractors, regardless of gross revenue, to apply for a Small Works Roster and to subsequently submit bids under that process.