NC S296

Requires all iron and steel products permanently incorporated in public works projects funded by State-appropriated funds to be produced in the United States, with all manufacturing processes from initial melting through coating application occurring domestically

Exemptions allowed when American-made iron or steel is unavailable, of unsatisfactory quality, would increase project costs by more than 20%, or when compliance conflicts with public interest

Minimal foreign iron or steel materials permitted if incidental to the primary product and cost does not exceed 0.1% of total contract cost or $2,500, whichever is greater

Electrical components and equipment are exempt except for transmission and distribution poles; Department of Transportation contracts already subject to federal Buy America requirements are also excluded

Effective July 1, 2026, applying to contracts awarded on or after that date