Bill > H0056

This bill amends Section 67-5711C of Idaho Code to modify competitive bidding rules for public works projects. The key change raises the threshold for informal bidding from $25,000 to $50,000, meaning that for projects estimated to cost between $50,000 and the public works limit, agencies must solicit at least three documented informal bids from licensed Idaho contractors if they do not perform the work with existing staff. The bill also explicitly prohibits accepting or denying bids based on "environmental, social, and governance" (ESG) standards, defining these as subjective ethical or sustainability criteria unrelated to project specifications or bidder qualifications. The legislation maintains existing requirements for public notice, bid opening procedures, and prequalification processes for contractors. The bill includes an emergency clause and will take effect on July 1, 2025, underscoring the immediate importance of these changes to public works contracting procedures. The provisions aim to provide more flexibility for agencies in awarding contracts while preventing the use of potentially subjective criteria in the bidding process.

Business and Industry

Commerce and Human Resources Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0056/