Subcommittee Carries Over Bill Letting Local Contractors Match Lowest Bid Within 5%

The County Cities and Towns Subcommittee carried over Senate Bill 318, a permissive measure that would allow counties, cities and towns to give a local bidder the option to match the lowest responsible bid when the local bid is no more than 5% higher.

Sponsor and origin: The presenter said the bill did not originate with him and identified Sandra Evans as the bill’s originator. The presenter described SB318 as a narrowly targeted procurement option intended to favor local contractors when localities choose to adopt it.

Support and rationale: John Musa of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce told the committee his organization worked with the bill’s sponsor and supports the measure as a way to provide a measured competitive advantage to local businesses participating in public procurement.

Legal question and committee action: Members asked whether localities already have authority to adopt such a preference; counsel advised that state procurement provisions require permission (i.e., legislative authorization). A member moved to carry SB318 to the 2027 session for further consideration; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Details from the record: The presenter said the bill passed the Senate unanimously, 39–0. The committee did not amend or adopt the measure in committee; carrying it over preserves the option to refine statutory language before the next session.