SB54 Summary

• Creates the "Arkansas Buy American Act" requiring all public entity contracts for construction, reconstruction, alteration, or improvement of public buildings and public works to use iron and steel materials manufactured in the United States.

• Defines "manufactured in the United States" as material assembled in the U.S. with substantially all iron and steel produced in the U.S., and "produced in the United States" as material melted, poured, and processed entirely in the U.S.

• Allows executive heads to waive the requirement if: (1) it conflicts with state policy, (2) materials are unavailable in sufficient quantity or quality, or (3) inclusion increases costs by more than 25%, with detailed public justification required.

• Excludes contracts under $20,000 and procurement of emergency, life safety, and property safety goods from the requirement.

• Establishes violations for contractors who intentionally affix false "Made in America" labels or misrepresent material origins, with remedies including removal and replacement of materials, cost reduction, contractor suspension up to one year, contract voidance, and other legal remedies.