This bill amends sections 39-1348 and 39-1355 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes, focusing on the solicitation of bids and the authority of the Department of Transportation. It establishes that for construction contracts estimated to cost over $250,000, the department must advertise for sealed bids for at least twenty days in designated newspapers and on its official webpage. For contracts costing $250,000 or less, the department has the discretion to either follow the same bidding procedures or request bids from at least three potential bidders. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Transportation to adjust the cost thresholds annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the authority of the department regarding the construction of buildings. It allows the department to purchase, lease, or acquire necessary materials and equipment for highway maintenance and construction. However, it stipulates that the department cannot construct any building with an estimated cost exceeding the adjusted dollar amount for capital construction projects without legislative consent. The original sections of the statutes are repealed, and new provisions are inserted to clarify these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-1348, 39-1355