This bill amends Section 103 of Title 61 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs public construction contracts. The key changes include raising the price threshold for certain construction contract negotiations with qualified contractors from less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to less than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00). Additionally, it allows counties, cities, and local government units to provide a local bid preference of up to five percent (5%) for contracts exceeding One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) if it is determined that there is an economic benefit to the local area. However, this preference can only be granted if the local bidder is the second lowest qualified bid.

The bill also outlines the conditions under which public agencies can award contracts, emphasizing compliance with the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974. It specifies that contracts for public improvements or repairs under One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, while contracts for minor maintenance under Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) can be negotiated. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 61-103