The bill amends Section 103 of the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974, specifically addressing local bid preferences for public construction contracts. It mandates that counties, cities, and other local government units must provide a local bid preference of up to five percent for contracts exceeding $100,000, provided that the local bidder agrees to perform the contract at the same price and terms as the nonlocal bidder. The bill also stipulates that local bid preferences can only be granted if the local bidder is the second lowest qualified bid and clarifies the definition of a local bidder as one authorized to conduct business within the state.

Additionally, the bill outlines various thresholds for competitive bidding and contract awards, including provisions for contracts under $100,000 and specific rules for public school district property. It emphasizes compliance with the Public Competitive Bidding Act for contractors affiliated with purchasing cooperatives and allows local governmental units to create purchasing cooperatives to enhance contract value. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 61-103
Floor (House): 61-103
Floor (Senate): 61-103
Engrossed: 61-103
Enrolled (final version): 61-103