OH HB587

Political subdivisions required by law to award contracts by competitive bidding may adopt an ordinance or resolution establishing a "buy local Ohio program"

Under the program, a political subdivision may award a contract to a bid that is not the lowest, provided the bid is within 3% of the lowest bid and meets all material specifications without irregularities or competitive advantages

Qualifying bidders must have their principal place of business within the political subdivision awarding the contract and within the county where the contract will be performed

"Significant Ohio economic presence" is defined as a bidder that: (A) pays required taxes to Ohio; (B) is registered and licensed to do business in Ohio with the secretary of state; and (C) has at least 10 employees in Ohio or 75% or more of its employees in Ohio