HB 536 Summary

• Requires joint contractors and subcontractors to submit bids to a centralized bid depository established under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for all construction projects using competitive sealed bidding.

• Allows joint contractors and subcontractors to submit different bids to different general contractors bidding on the same project.

• Mandates all subcontractor and joint contractor bids be held confidential in the depository and released to general contractors only 24 hours before the invitation for bids closes.

• Prohibits general contractors from using subcontractor or joint contractor bids not timely submitted to the bid depository, with violators subject to fines of $10,000 or 15% of total contract award, whichever is greater, per violation.

• Requires DCCA to adopt rules governing bid depository operations and becomes effective July 1, 2023.