HB 5312 Summary

• Requires posting of explanations on the Department of Administrative Services website when contracts are extended without competitive bidding, citing reasons for noncompliance with bidding requirements.

• Increases the cost threshold for certain Department of Administrative Services construction projects from $500,000 to $1,500,000, allowing projects at the lower threshold to use streamlined procurement procedures with pre-qualified contractor lists rather than full competitive bidding.

• Expands the janitorial and service contract program to create employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and persons with disadvantages by allowing qualified partnerships between commercial contractors and community rehabilitation programs to bid on state contracts.

• Establishes notification requirements for election registrars to immediately contact campaign representatives when polling place hours may be extended beyond statutory limits, with registrars required to leave messages if initial contact attempts fail.

• Adds two annual observance days: "Are You Dense? Breast Cancer Awareness Day" on October 30 and "Neurological Disorders Awareness Day" on October 9, to be proclaimed by the Governor.