Bill > HB4276

This bill mandates that all government entities subject to the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974 must ensure sufficient funds are approved, appropriated, and certified as available before issuing any solicitations for public improvement or construction contracts. Public entities are required to obtain a written certification of these funds, which must identify the funding source, state the amount available, and confirm it's unencumbered and sufficient for the project's estimated cost. This certification must be kept in the official project file. Any solicitation issued without this prior certification will be void, and any bids received will be invalid. Furthermore, if the estimated cost of a project increases after bidding documents are issued, the bidding process must be suspended until additional funds are appropriated and certified. This applies to all public improvement projects unless specifically exempted by law. The bill also amends existing law regarding county purchasing agents, requiring them to obtain similar written certifications of funds before soliciting bids for acquisitions, leases, or lease-purchases, and to retain this certification in the solicitation file, with any solicitation issued without it being void. If the estimated cost increases after certification but before an award, the solicitation must be suspended until more funds are certified. This act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4276&Session=2600