Bill > HB0511

This bill modifies Utah's Procurement Code to encourage state agencies to favor businesses located within Utah, referred to as "resident suppliers," when making purchases. It amends existing laws concerning small purchases and the use of approved vendor lists to include provisions that give resident suppliers an advantage. Specifically, for small purchases, rules will be updated to encourage procurements from resident suppliers over those from outside the state. When using approved vendor lists, which are lists of pre-qualified businesses that can be awarded contracts, the bill requires that rules ensure resident suppliers have a fair opportunity to compete and, importantly, that they have a *greater* opportunity to compete compared to non-resident suppliers. Furthermore, a new section is added to define a "resident supplier" as a business with its principal place of business in Utah for at least one year, registered with the state, and in good standing. For procurements evaluated based on points, resident suppliers will receive an additional 10% of the total available evaluation points, though this preference can be waived if not properly certified on a bid or if it jeopardizes federal funding. The bill also clarifies that these preferences apply when other specific procurement preference laws do not.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0511.html