Extends the termination date applicable to levee restoration or rehabilitation work not publicly bid
Impact
The impact of HB 97 on state laws is notable, as it provides more flexibility for public agencies in managing levee restoration projects. By allowing these projects to be undertaken without public bidding under specific financial limits, the bill aims to streamline processes while ensuring that essential levee work can proceed without unnecessary delays. This provision is particularly relevant to regions where levee maintenance is critical for flood control and public safety.
Summary
House Bill 97 aims to amend the provisions governing the restoration and rehabilitation of levees that are not maintained with federal funds and not subject to public bidding. Specifically, the bill extends the termination date for these provisions from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2028. This extension is significant for public entities as it allows them to continue undertaking necessary levee work using their own resources or in collaboration with other public entities, without needing to go through the public bidding process, as long as the total cost remains within the stipulated limit of one million dollars.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the bill appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers, as evidenced by the unanimous vote in favor of its passage. Supporters emphasize the importance of efficiently addressing levee conditions to enhance community safety and reduce administrative burdens associated with bidding processes. The bill is seen as a pragmatic solution to ongoing infrastructure needs, particularly for state and local governments responsible for maintaining levee systems.
Contention
Despite its support, there may be concerns regarding the lack of competitive bidding processes that could arise from the bill. Some critics argue that removing public bidding could lead to reduced oversight, transparency, and accountability in public spending. While the bill streamlines the process for necessary repairs, the implications for cost control and the potential for favoritism in awarding contracts could raise potential issues that might need to be addressed in future discussions.
Extends the termination date of certain provisions authorizing a public entity to rehabilitate a levee not maintained with federal funds without public bids
Provides $1,000,000 annual limit on work performed by a public entity with its own employees and resources to restore or rehabilitate certain levees and extends the termination date. (1/1/14) (EN DECREASE LF EX See Note)
Extends until December 31, 2014 the $1,000,000 contract limit for any contract by a public entity for levees not maintained with federal funds or to perform mitigation on public lands if the project is undertaken with the public entity's own resources and employees or with the resources and employees of another public entity through an agreement with another public entity. (gov sig)
Extends the tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures and provides for the applicability of such credit. (gov sig) (EG DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Extends the date for eligible expenses to qualify for the tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures and extends the effectiveness of the credit (Item #19) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)