The bill, H.B. No. 219, aims to amend the Local Government Code by adding Section 271.909, which prohibits local governmental agencies from considering certain criteria during the contractor selection process for procuring goods or services. Specifically, the bill stipulates that agencies may only consider factors that are legally required or are objective, measurable, and directly related to the cost, quality, reliability, or legal compliance of the goods or services. Additionally, it prohibits giving preference to bids based on environmental, social, and governance criteria that do not directly relate to these factors.

The bill also mandates that governmental agencies provide written contract selection criteria in publicly available bid specifications and solicitation documents. If a violation of this section is suspected, individuals can report it to the attorney general, who has the authority to direct agencies to remove prohibited criteria or terminate contracts if necessary. Failure to comply with these directives would render the contract void. The provisions of this bill will apply only to contractor selection processes initiated after its effective date, which is set for the 91st day following the end of the legislative session.

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