This bill amends sections 39-1348 and 39-1355 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to update the procedures for soliciting bids for construction projects by the Department of Transportation. It establishes new methods for providing notice of bid solicitations, including publishing notices in local newspapers and on the department's official website. Specifically, for contracts exceeding $250,000, the department must now provide notice through both print and digital means, ensuring that the notice is accessible even if there are temporary issues with internet service. Additionally, the bill allows for flexibility in the bidding process for contracts under $250,000, permitting the department to either follow the same procedures or request bids from at least three potential bidders.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the threshold for legislative consent required for construction projects. The previous limit of $100,000 is replaced with an adjusted dollar amount based on the capital construction projects established in section 81-1114.01, allowing for annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill also clarifies the department's authority regarding the purchase and leasing of materials and buildings necessary for its operations, while ensuring that the maintenance and control of these resources remain under the department's responsibility. The original sections being amended are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-1348, 39-1355
Final Reading: 39-1348, 39-1355
Slip Law: 39-1348, 39-1355