Bill > S296

This bill requires state and local governments in North Carolina to use iron and steel products manufactured entirely in the United States for public works projects, with several important exceptions. The law defines "produced in the United States" as all manufacturing processes, from initial melting through coating, occurring within the country (except for certain metallurgical refinement). Governmental entities must include a contract provision mandating that any iron or steel product permanently incorporated into a project be U.S.-produced. Exceptions to this requirement include situations where: U.S. iron or steel products are not available in sufficient quantity or quality, using U.S. products would increase project costs by more than 20%, compliance would be against public interest, the foreign materials are minimal (less than 0.1% of total contract cost or $2,500), or the materials are electrical components. The bill does not apply to Department of Transportation contracts already subject to federal Buy America requirements and must be implemented in a way consistent with international agreements. The law will become effective on July 1, 2026, and will apply to contracts awarded on or after that date, giving governments and contractors time to prepare for the new requirements.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S296