Design-build is gaining ground in state legislatures across the country. From coast to coast, lawmakers are recognizing the power of collaboration and speed that comes with design-build, and they’re taking action. In just the first few months of 2025, a wave of bills have passed or advanced, expanding design-build authority and opening new opportunities for innovation in project delivery.
Here are some of the biggest wins so far this year:
Tennessee – HB 1320
When infrastructure emergencies strike, Tennessee wants to be ready. HB 1320, signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on March 28, 2025, grants the state Department of Transportation the flexibility to act swiftly by allowing emergency use of design-build, CM/GC and progressive design-build. This legislation reinforces Tennessee’s commitment to smarter, faster and more responsive project delivery.
Washington – HB 1967 & HB 1970
Rep. Janice Zahn, P.E., CCM, is leading the charge for design-build innovation in Washington state. A longtime DBIA member with deep industry expertise, Zahn championed two key bills this session: HB 1967, which modernizes bonding requirements to better align with the design-build process, and HB 1970, which authorizes the use of progressive design-build for major WSDOT projects. Signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson as of April 21, 2025, these measures go beyond technical tweaks to show what’s possible when lawmakers bring firsthand industry knowledge to the table.
Washington – SB 5161
SB 5161 is nearing the finish line in Washington’s legislature. The bill directs a comprehensive study of alternative delivery methods — including design-build, CM/GC, progressive design-build and alliance contracting — to help WSDOT make more informed decisions about project delivery. By evaluating how each method impacts cost, competition and timelines, the legislation lays the groundwork for smarter, more strategic infrastructure planning across the state. The bill is currently in conference committee awaiting final legislative approval.
Colorado – HB 1228
Colorado’s HB 1228, which passed the Senate on April 15, 2025, redefines “best value” in transportation contracting by expanding the criteria the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) uses to evaluate design-build proposals. The updated framework emphasizes factors such as long-term life-cycle costs, sustainability, resilience and community impact — moving beyond just initial price. This legislation positions Colorado to lead in delivering infrastructure that’s both cost-effective and future-ready.
West Virginia – HB 2942
Sometimes a small change makes a big difference. HB 2942, signed into law by Governor Patrick Morrisey, extends the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) design-build pilot program through 2027 and raises the cap on active projects from $50 million to $75 million. This gives the state more time and flexibility to evaluate the benefits of design-build delivery and build momentum for broader authority.
“Practitioners in the Ohio Valley Region are thrilled about West Virginia’s decision to extend the DEP’s design-build pilot program. We are optimistic that the benefits of Design-Build Done Right® will bring value to regional projects and help them achieve superior quality outcomes,” said Thomas R. Brennan, DBIA, Past-President of DBIA-Ohio Valley Region. “This inspired decision demonstrates a commitment to collaboration that will benefit all parties for many years to come.”
Nebraska – LB 317
LB 317 consolidates Nebraska’s Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environment and Energy into a newly formed agency. While the legislation primarily focuses on structural reorganization, DBIA closely monitored the bill to ensure existing design-build authority would remain in place. That authority was preserved throughout the legislative process.
Of course, the legislative season isn’t close to over. Dozens of bills across the country are still in play, and DBIA continues to work closely with lawmakers, agencies and industry partners to advocate for policies that support collaborative delivery.
Want to keep tabs on what’s happening in your state, territory or region? DBIA’s Advocacy Center is your go-to hub for understanding the national landscape, while our Pending Legislation tracker provides detailed updates on pending and enacted legislation across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Whether you’re looking to support local efforts, track policy trends or get into the fine print of a bill, these resources are built to equip you with what you need.
