Bill > HB1320

This bill modifies Tennessee's transportation contracting procedures, primarily focusing on emergency response and project selection processes. The legislation grants the transportation commissioner expanded emergency contracting authority during transportation system failures or imminent threats, allowing them to enter into contracts through multiple methods including special bidding, alternative delivery contracts, highway construction contracts, or by directly selecting a prequalified contractor. The bill removes requirements for the department to independently or averagely score proposals, instead mandating that proposal scores be compiled according to a predefined scoring matrix, with the highest-scoring proposal considered the best-evaluated. The commissioner can now either accept the selection committee's recommended proposer or reject all proposals. Additionally, the bill requires selection committee members to complete an affidavit confirming they have not been improperly influenced during the proposal review process. Notably, for emergency contracts exceeding $100 million, the department is not required to specifically identify these projects in its annual transportation improvement program, though it must provide immediate written notice to key legislative and administrative leaders. The bill has staggered implementation dates, with most provisions taking effect on July 1, 2025, and certain sections taking effect on July 1, 2029.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1320&ga=114