Bill > S2181

This bill amends Chapter 6C of the General Laws by adding a new section that requires public employees to conduct all inspection functions for surface transportation projects funded by state or federal money. The bill defines "inspection functions" broadly to include construction inspections, bridge inspections, contract administration, quality control inspection, material testing, and resident engineer functions. By specifying that these roles must be performed by public employees (defined as employees of federal, state, or local governments), the legislation aims to increase accountability, safety, and efficiency in transportation infrastructure projects. This means that private contractors would be prohibited from handling these critical oversight responsibilities, potentially reducing the risk of cost-cutting or quality compromises that might occur with third-party inspections. The bill represents an effort to ensure that transportation project inspections are conducted directly by government personnel who are presumed to have a public interest mandate.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2181