Connecticut Senate Bill SB00826

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Construction Managers From Self-performing Work On Certain Quasi-public Agency Projects.

Impact

The impact of SB00826, if enacted, would be significant for both construction managers and quasi-public agencies involved in construction and engineering projects. By disallowing construction managers from self-performing work, the bill seeks to ensure that the oversight of public projects remains impartial and that the contractors chosen for the work are independent of the management roles. This change could lead to more competitive bidding processes and potentially lower costs for taxpayer-funded projects, as agencies would be required to seek third-party contractors for various aspects of their construction projects.

Summary

SB00826 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending existing statutes to prohibit construction managers hired by quasi-public agencies from bidding on contracts for work associated with the projects they oversee. This bill is designed to enhance transparency and accountability within public contracting processes by preventing conflicts of interest that may arise when construction managers can self-perform work on the projects they manage.

Conclusion

Overall, SB00826 embodies a significant shift in how quasi-public agencies can engage with construction managers, prioritizing transparency and conflict-of-interest avoidance over the convenience and efficiency of self-performance. The bill reflects broader trends in public administration towards greater accountability and ethical standards in the execution of public works.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding SB00826 as it progresses through legislative discussions. Supporters of the bill, including advocates for transparency in public procurement, argue that the prohibition is necessary to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fairness in the bidding process. However, opponents might argue that such restrictions could limit the flexibility and efficiency that construction managers could provide, potentially hindering the completion of projects due to reduced options for skilled labor and oversight.