The bill amends Section 67-5711C of the Idaho Code, which pertains to the competitive bidding process for public works construction contracts. A significant change is the increase in the threshold for projects requiring formal bidding from twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). This means that for projects with a written cost estimate greater than fifty thousand dollars but less than the public works limit, agencies must solicit at least three documented informal bids from licensed contractors if they do not use their existing staff for the work. Additionally, the bill stipulates that adequate public notice for informal bids must be given at least seven days prior to the bid receipt date.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that prohibits the acceptance or denial of bids based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, which are defined as procurement standards that evaluate bids based on subjective ethical or sustainability criteria unrelated to the actual specifications or qualifications of the bidders. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-5711C