HI SB3249

Requires forfeiture of half the cash or protest bond if a party does not prevail in a procurement protest administrative proceeding and the Office of Administrative Hearings finds the appeal was made in bad faith.

Removes "frivolous" as a separate standard for bond forfeiture, requiring only a finding of bad faith.

Changes the forfeiture amount from full forfeiture to half of the bond, with forfeited funds deposited into the general fund.

Builds on previous legislation (Act 224 of 2021 and Act 162 of 2024) that addressed construction cost increases caused by prolonged procurement protests.

Takes effect January 1, 2525.