Connecticut House Bill HB05861

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Establishing A Five Per Cent Preference For State Bidders In The Award Of State Contracts.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05861 would amend Chapter 62 of the general statutes, fundamentally affecting the procurement processes for state contracts. By mandating that state agencies prioritize local bidders under specified conditions, the bill seeks to enhance the participation of state residents in public contracting opportunities. Proponents believe that this could lead to increased job creation within the state, as local businesses may benefit from a higher selection rate for state contracts.

Summary

House Bill 05861 establishes a five percent preference for qualified resident bidders in the awarding of state contracts. The bill aims to support local businesses by ensuring that state agencies give slight preference to bids from in-state applicants that come within five percent of the lowest qualified bid. This legislative action is designed to foster economic growth and bolster local industries by allowing them a competitive advantage in securing state contracts over out-of-state bidders.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 05861 may evoke concerns related to fairness and competitiveness in the bidding process. Critics might argue that while supporting local businesses is beneficial, implementing such a preference could discourage competition and potentially lead to higher costs for the state if in-state bids are not as competitive. The balance between fostering local economies and maintaining prudent fiscal management will be crucial in evaluating the potential effectiveness of this bill.