Senate Bill 352 Summary

• Authorizes counties, cities, municipalities, and public trusts with county or municipal beneficiaries to provide local bid preferences of up to 5% on public construction contracts exceeding $50,000 if the awarding agency determines there is an economic benefit to the local area or economy.

• Requires local bidders receiving preference to agree to perform contracts for the same price and terms as nonlocal bidders, and establishes that preference is only granted when the local bidder is the second lowest qualified bid.

• Mandates that local bid preference policies be formally adopted by the governing body of the awarding agency and clearly stated in bid specifications.

• Increases the emergency procurement threshold for public trusts from $50,000 to $75,000 for situations requiring immediate action to avoid loss of life, property damage, or public safety threats.

• Clarifies statutory references and updates approval requirements for public trusts, including provisions for county jail facility trusts to include county commissioners and sheriffs in their composition.