HB3494 Summary

• Raises the competitive bidding threshold for counties with fewer than 2,000,000 inhabitants from $30,000 to $50,000 for purchases of services, materials, equipment, or supplies (excluding professional services).

• Allows counties to let contracts to the lowest responsible bidder after advertising for bids in a local newspaper or to contract without advertising in cases of emergency if authorized by the county board.

• Permits county boards to consider factors beyond price when selecting vendors, including product quality, specifications compliance, support services, equipment compatibility, and whether the bidder is a private or state-controlled enterprise.

• Allows counties to require contractors and their affiliates to collect and remit Illinois Use Tax on all tangible personal property sales into Illinois.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.