School projects/engineering

AN ACT Relating to architectural and engineering fee funding 1
assistance limits for school district construction and modernization 2
projects; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.525 RCW.3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28A.525 5
RCW to read as follows: 6
(1) School districts shall select their architectural and 7
engineering consultants in accordance with chapter 39.80 RCW. As 8
required by RCW 39.80.050, the district shall negotiate a contract 9
with the most qualified consultants at a price which the school 10
district determines is fair and reasonable. In making its 11
determination, the district must take into account the estimated 12
value of the services to be rendered based upon the scope and 13
complexity of the project. 14
(2) The state maximum allowable cost for architectural and 15
engineering services must be based on the latest edition of the 16
American institute of architect's handbook of professional practice 17
and calculated by the percentage of construction cost in relation to 18
the square foot area of construction and project type, as set forth 19
in this subsection. 20
S-3459.1
SENATE BILL 5857
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Senators Schoesler, Dozier, and Wagoner
Prefiled 12/08/25. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee
on Ways & Means.
p. 1 SB 5857
(a) For new construction projects the limits of state funding 1
assistance are as follows: 2
3
4
Square Feet of
Construction
Percent of
Construction Cost
5 0 - 3,699 5.0
6 3,700 - 7,349 4.5
7 7,350 - 10,999 4.375
8 11,000 - 14,649 4.25
9 14,650 - 18,299 4.125
10 18,300 - 25,699 4.0
11 25,700 - 36,699 3.875
12 36,700 - 54,999 3.75
13 55,000 - 73,399 3.625
14 73,400 - 100,999 3.5
15 101,000 - 128,449 3.375
16 128,450 - 155,999 3.25
17 156,000 - 183,499 3.125
18 183,500 & above 3.0
(b) For modernization projects the limits of state funding 19
assistance is 1.5 times the amount calculated for new construction.20
(c) For those projects which include a combination of new 21
construction and modernization, the limits of state participation 22
must be prorated as set forth in (a) and (b) of this subsection.23
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p. 2 SB 5857