Arkansas House Bill HB1560

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/25
• Refer: 2/24/25
• Report Pass: 3/12/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Public Works Contracts; And To Require Pricing Information For Lighting Components For Public Works Projects.

Impact

If enacted, HB1560 will bring significant changes to how public works contracts are awarded, particularly in the area of electrical and lighting design. By requiring multiple bids for lighting components, the law aims to eliminate the potential for favoritism or monopolistic practices in the bidding process. The stipulation that architects or electrical engineers can request specialty fixtures outside of the three-bid requirement for aesthetic or historical reasons provides some flexibility, ensuring that public works projects can still meet specific design needs while fostering competition among lighting suppliers.

Summary

House Bill 1560 seeks to amend existing laws concerning public works contracts in the state of Arkansas. The primary objective of this bill is to ensure transparency and competitive pricing in the procurement of lighting components for public works projects. Specifically, the bill mandates that contracts for projects designed by electrical engineering firms must incorporate a bidding process that requires proposals from at least three separate lighting agencies. This is intended to enhance competition and potentially lower costs for public projects.

Contention

There has been some discussion regarding the implications of this bill. Supporters argue that it will promote fairness and competitiveness in public contracting, ultimately benefiting taxpayers and local governments by lowering costs and improving project quality. However, opponents may argue that the mandated bidding process could delay project completion or impose unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, particularly in emergencies or specialized projects where quick decision-making is crucial. Additionally, some stakeholders from the construction and design sectors might be concerned about the feasibility of finding multiple suppliers for niche lighting products.