Bill > HB1414

This bill modifies the state procurement code by expanding the ability of the head of a purchasing agency to award contracts. Currently, contracts must be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, but this bill allows the agency head, with approval from the chief procurement officer, to award the contract to a bidder who is not the lowest bidder if they determine that such an award would be more beneficial to taxpayers or in the best interests of the State. Specifically, the bill amends Section 103D-302 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to add language that gives procurement officials more flexibility in selecting bidders, moving beyond the strict lowest-bid requirement. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow for bid price negotiations if all bids exceed available funds, and it includes a standard clause ensuring that the changes do not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that began before the bill's effective date. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, though this is likely a placeholder date typically used in draft legislation.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1414&year=2026