MS HB258

Increases the threshold for purchases exempt from competitive bidding requirements from $5,000 to $15,000, allowing small purchases up to $15,000 to be made without advertising or requesting competitive bids.

Raises the threshold for purchases requiring at least two competitive written bids (without public advertisement) from $5,000 to $15,000, with the upper limit remaining $75,000.

Updates related fire protection system contract thresholds in Section 31-3-1 from $5,000/$10,000 to $15,000/$20,000 for public and private projects respectively.

Adjusts disaster relief project bidding thresholds in Section 31-5-37 from $5,000 to $15,000 for employment plan certification requirements.

Modifies bonding requirements in Section 31-5-51 to require general liability insurance for state contracts exceeding $15,000 (previously $5,000).

Effective date: July 1, 2025.