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Bill

HB 1967

Modifying bonding requirements in the design portion of design-build public works projects.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Griffey and 2 co-sponsors

Washington law modifies design-build project bonding requirements to reduce financial obligations during the design phase, effective July 27, 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1967

Legislative bill overview

HB 1967 modifies bonding requirements for the design phase of design-build public works projects in Washington State. The bill adjusts how performance and payment bonds must be structured during the design portion of these combined design-construction contracts, likely reducing bonding costs or administrative complexity for designers and contractors early in the project lifecycle.

Why is this important

Design-build projects are increasingly used for public infrastructure because they can reduce timelines and costs compared to traditional design-then-bid-then-build methods. Bonding requirements directly affect project costs since contractors pass bond premiums to public agencies; modifying these requirements can make public works more affordable while potentially affecting protections for public entities and subcontractors.

Potential points of contention

  • Protection adequacy: Reducing bonding requirements during design may limit financial recourse if design errors cause costly construction problems later
  • Subcontractor/supplier protection: Lower bonding could reduce payment assurances for workers and vendors providing design services
  • Competitive impact: Changes may disproportionately benefit larger firms with stronger credit versus smaller design-build firms facing higher relative bonding costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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