WA
Washington House Bill HB1726

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1726

Introduced
1/30/25  

Caption

Prioritizing lumber procured from Washington state lumber mills for the purpose of public works projects.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1726 would affect the regulations and policies surrounding procurement for public works projects. The emphasis on sourcing materials locally could lead to increased fiscal support for Washington state lumber mills, potentially reshaping supply chains for public contracts. This legislative move implies a shift toward more localized sourcing practices, which can influence overall project costs and timelines depending on the availability of local resources.

Summary

House Bill 1726 aims to prioritize lumber sourced from Washington state lumber mills for public works projects. The bill is rooted in the notion of supporting local industry and ensuring that public funds are utilized in a way that benefits the state's economy. Proponents argue that fostering local businesses, particularly in the lumber sector, can have a positive ripple effect on job creation and economic stability in the region.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 1726 appears to be generally supportive among legislators and industry advocates who view the bill as a means to bolster local economies. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential increase in costs if local lumber suppliers are unable to meet the demand or if the quality of local products is not competitive compared to other sources. This duality in sentiment underscores the complexities of balancing economic support with practical project execution.

Contention

One notable contention surrounding HB 1726 is the potential implications this bill may have on competition and market dynamics. Critics may argue that prioritizing local lumber could hinder competition, leading to higher prices or subpar quality in public works projects if local suppliers do not meet the necessary standards. Moreover, there are concerns that local sourcing mandates might lead to conflicts with existing procurement practices that aim to secure the best value for public expenditures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1846

Addressing vessel procurement at the Washington state ferries.

WA SB5760

Addressing vessel procurement at the Washington state ferries.

WA SB6257

Defining Washington state residency requirements for purposes of hospital charity care.

WA HB2336

Assessing the suitability of lands in Washington for agricultural and renewable energy purposes.

WA SB6069

Revised for Engrossed: Improving private Washington workforce retirement security standards by establishing Washington saves, an automatic enrollment individual retirement savings account program, and updating the Washington retirement marketplace statute.Revised for 1st Substitute: Improving retirement security for Washingtonians by establishing Washington saves, an automatic enrollment individual retirement savings account program, and updating the Washington retirement marketplace statute.Original: Improving retirement security for Washingtonians by establishing Washington saves, an automatic enrollment individual retirement savings account program, and updating the Washington retirement marketplace statute.

WA HB1831

Addressing the Washington state ferries' workforce shortages.

WA HB2244

Improving retirement security for Washingtonians by establishing Washington saves, an automatic enrollment individual retirement savings account program, and updating the Washington retirement marketplace statute.

WA HB2235

Improving publicly available data on Washington state's water quality to improve salmon recovery and the prioritization of salmon recovery projects.

WA HB1841

Addressing the Washington state ferries' workforce shortages.

WA SB5509

Creating the Washington state public infrastructure bank.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.