Idaho Business Opportunity and Jobs Act (S1279) Summary

• Repeals existing public works contract law and replaces it with new Chapter 10 to define resident contractors and establish preference requirements for state and local government contracts.

• Grants preference to certified resident contractors for public works projects, allowing them to win contracts if their bid is no more than 5% higher than the lowest nonresident bidder.

• Defines "resident" broadly to include individuals and business entities with 1+ year residency in Idaho, with specific criteria for partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.

• Requires resident contractors to use Idaho laborers and materials of equal quality, with limitations on subcontracting work to nonresidents (maximum 25% of contract work).

• Extends preferences to Idaho materials and agricultural products in all public purchases and construction projects, with a 5% cost differential allowance for contracts under $5 million, while making compliance with federal law the governing standard when federal funds are involved.