IL HB1626

Increases the competitive bidding threshold for fire protection districts from $20,000 to $30,000 for contracts involving supplies, materials, work, and improvements to real estate.

Requires all contracts exceeding $30,000 to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after advertising, with specified exemptions for professional services, utility contracts, emergency expenditures, and single-source purchases.

Mandates at least 10 days' advance notice in a newspaper of general circulation before bid opening, and requires fire districts with maintained websites to post notices of contracts exceeding $30,000 online.

Requires sealed competitive bids for contracts over $30,000 to be opened at a public bid opening by board members or district employees, with bidders receiving at least 3 days' notice of the opening time and place.

Allows boards to enter into contracts over $30,000 through participation in joint governmental or nongovernmental purchasing programs that include competitive solicitation and procurement processes.