summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Statewide Responsible Bidder Standards Act. Provides that each local public body shall maintain, within its procurement ordinances, administrative rules, and bid documents, language requiring that any bidder on a public contract certify or provide evidence that: (1) the bidder and the bidder's proposed subcontractors are duly organized and in good standing under applicable law and authorized to do business in the State; (2) the bidder and the bidder's proposed subcontractors are properly registered with the Department of Revenue and the Department of Employment Security; (3) the bidder and the bidder's proposed subcontractors maintain workers' compensation insurance and maintains liability insurance in amounts required by the local public body; (4) the bidder and the bidder's proposed subcontractors will comply with all applicable State and federal labor and employment laws governing wages, safety, and equal opportunity; (5) the bidder and the bidder's proposed subcontractors are not currently debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible under any State or federal debarment list applicable to public contracts; and (6) the bidder submitted certifications and documents with the bid that are true and correct. Provides that failure to comply with the requirements of the Act shall not invalidate any contract awarded in good faith. Provides that a local public body that does not have a procurement ordinance, policy, or rule containing the minimum responsible bidder standards set forth in the Act in effect on the effective date of the Act shall adopt the required ordinance, policy, or rule within 180 days after the effective date of the Act. Provides that, if a local public body has a procurement ordinance or policy containing a responsible bidder provision in effect on the effective date of the Act, then the local public body shall be deemed in compliance with the Act and shall not be required to adopt new legislation to conform to the Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill, the Statewide Responsible Bidder Standards Act, requires local public bodies, such as cities, villages, school districts, and other governmental entities that award public contracts, to include specific minimum standards in their procurement rules and bid documents to ensure bidders are responsible and qualified. These standards mandate that bidders and their subcontractors must be legally organized and authorized to do business in the state, properly registered with the Department of Revenue and Department of Employment Security, maintain required workers' compensation and liability insurance, comply with all state and federal labor and employment laws regarding wages, safety, and equal opportunity, and not be debarred or suspended from public contracts. Bidders must also certify that the information they provide is true and correct, and participate in approved apprenticeship programs. Local public bodies that do not already have such standards must adopt them within 180 days, and failure to comply may result in ineligibility for state funds for capital projects, though contracts awarded in good faith will not be invalidated. The bill also clarifies that local governments can set more stringent standards and that home rule municipalities cannot enact conflicting regulations. Importantly, the implementation of this act is considered an exempt mandate, meaning local governments will not be reimbursed by the state for any costs associated with its implementation.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/13/2026)
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