This bill amends the state's "Buy America" requirements for steel products used in public construction projects. It specifies that "domestic fabricated structural steel" must be manufactured in the United States from the initial melting stage through to the application of coatings, with an insertion clarifying that miscellaneous steel or iron components and hardware necessary for assembly are not subject to this requirement. The bill also repeals and reenacts provisions related to the preference for American-made steel, stating that contracts for public works must use U.S.-fabricated iron and steel if state funds of $1 million or more are used, and outlines the process for requesting waivers from these requirements.

The bill further amends the definition of "structural steel" to reference the latest edition of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) code, replacing the previous reference to the 2016 edition. It includes provisions for public hearing and comment on waiver requests, outlines the conditions under which waivers may be granted, and details the consequences for falsely labeling or misrepresenting steel as made in America. The bill ensures that if any part of these provisions is found invalid or in conflict with other laws, the remaining parts will still be effective. The act takes effect upon passage, with an approval date of August 4, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-I:11
As Amended by the Senate: 21-I:11
As Amended by the House: 21-I:11
Version adopted by both bodies: 21-I:11
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 21-I:11
SB195 text: 21-I:11