Modifying the responsible bidder criteria for public works projects.

SB 5476 modifies Washington State's criteria for contractors to qualify as "responsible bidders" on public works projects. It requires bidders to either have completed at least one public project in the last three years without violations or have at least one trained employee (certified by the Department of Labor and Industries on public works rules), with exemptions for contractors with three+ projects and three+ years of business. The bill also mandates new apprentice utilization plans for projects subject to apprenticeship rules, including specific details like projected hours and program contacts, which must be submitted within 60 days of winning a contract. Contractors must verify compliance with all criteria through a sworn statement and the Department's public website, while state/municipalities may add supplemental requirements with clear appeal processes. These changes directly affect construction contractors bidding on state or local government projects requiring licensing or apprenticeship compliance.