OK SB334

Raises the threshold for negotiated construction contracts from $10,000 to $25,000, allowing public agencies to negotiate directly with qualified contractors for projects under $25,000 instead of requiring competitive bidding.

Applies the $25,000 negotiation threshold to all public construction contracts for minor maintenance or minor repair work to public school district property, with written bids required for contracts between $50,000 and $100,000.

Maintains existing requirements that public construction contracts exceeding $100,000 (or construction management trade contracts exceeding $50,000) must be awarded through open competitive bidding to the lowest responsible bidder.

Preserves local bid preference provisions allowing up to 5% preference for local bidders on contracts over $100,000, provided the local bidder is the second lowest qualified bid.

Becomes effective July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause allowing immediate effect upon passage and approval.