House Bill 402 - "Hire Idaho Act" Summary

• Repeals existing Chapter 10, Title 44 Idaho Code and replaces it with new public works contracting requirements effective upon passage.

• Establishes "resident" contractor status requiring one year of Idaho residency (for individuals or all members/shareholders) and gives certified residents preference on public works contracts if their bid is not more than 5% higher than the lowest nonresident bid.

• Prohibits successful resident bidders from subcontracting more than 25% of contract work to nonresidents and requires preference for Idaho labor and materials in all public works contracts.

• Requires at least 15% of contract labor hours on projects costing $500,000 or more be performed by apprentices in U.S. Department of Labor-registered programs.

• Mandates preference for Idaho-produced materials, supplies, and agricultural products in all state, county, and municipal purchases with up to 5% cost differential allowed for contracts under $5 million, subject to federal law limitations for federally-funded projects.