Bill > HB1592

This bill amends two Illinois library-related acts (the Illinois Local Library Act and the Public Library District Act of 1991) to raise the competitive bidding threshold from $25,000 to $35,000 for library construction, improvement, and equipment purchase projects. When library boards are planning to build, remodel, repair, or expand library facilities, or purchase significant equipment, they will now be required to solicit competitive bids only for projects exceeding $35,000, up from the previous $25,000 threshold. The bill maintains existing exemptions for certain types of contracts, such as those involving professional services, utility contracts, emergency expenditures, and purchases from unique sources. The board retains the discretion to not accept bids that do not meet their established specifications, quality standards, or serviceability requirements. By increasing the dollar threshold, the bill provides library boards with slightly more flexibility in managing smaller-scale projects without going through a full competitive bidding process, while still ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness for larger expenditures.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1592&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104