HB195 Summary

• Creates the "Fair and Open Competition in Governmental Construction Act" to promote economical and nondiscriminatory administration of state and state-funded construction projects.

• Prohibits public agencies from including terms in bid specifications, project agreements, or contracts that require, prohibit, encourage, or discourage bidders and contractors from entering into collective bargaining agreements.

• Prohibits public agencies from awarding grants, tax abatements, or tax credits conditioned on requiring collective bargaining terms in construction contracts.

• Allows exemptions only when the public agency finds after public notice and hearing that special circumstances require an exemption to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety, excluding labor disputes.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, and does not apply to contracts executed before the effective date.