Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB1571

Introduced
4/17/23  
Chaptered
4/3/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 29 of the Private Acts of 2021; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Town of Pleasant Hill.

Impact

If enacted, SB1571 could significantly alter the landscape of local governance regarding financial dealings and contracting practices. The removal of stringent bidding requirements might lead local officials to have more discretion in selecting contractors based on merit and project suitability rather than solely on price. This could potentially enhance the quality of public works but may also raise concerns about transparency and accountability in the bidding process.

Summary

Senate Bill 1571 aims to amend existing legislation governing the procurement processes of public contracts within the Town of Pleasant Hill. Specifically, the bill seeks to modify the stipulations around bidding for contracts exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000). By proposing that contracts for public works or improvements no longer require awarding to the lowest responsible bidder under certain conditions, the bill introduces a flexible approach to how local governments can engage contractors for larger projects.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1571 seems to reflect a mix of support and caution. Supporters of the bill might view it as a necessary step toward modernizing local government procurement practices, arguing that it allows for a more practical and efficient selection process that aligns with the specific needs of the community. However, others may express apprehension regarding the potential for favoritism or lack of oversight in contractor selection, fearing that it could lead to less competitive pricing and decreased public trust.

Contention

Notable points of contention among the discussions include the concerns over how these changes could affect competition among contractors and the integrity of the procurement process. Some legislators might argue that removing the mandatory lowest-bidder clause could open the door to potential abuses, while others contend that it promotes a more effective use of taxpayer funds by prioritizing contractor capability and project outcomes. Ensuring a balance between flexibility in contracting and maintaining stringent checks on public expenditures is likely to remain a focal point as the bill advances.

Companion Bills

TN HB1581

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Chapter 29 of the Private Acts of 2021; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Town of Pleasant Hill.

Previously Filed As

TN HB1581

AN ACT to amend Chapter 29 of the Private Acts of 2021; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Town of Pleasant Hill.

TN HB1552

AN ACT to amend Chapter 159 of the Private Acts of 2002; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter for the Town of Chapel Hill.

TN SB1544

AN ACT to amend Chapter 159 of the Private Acts of 2002; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter for the Town of Chapel Hill.

TN HB1566

AN ACT to amend Chapter 167 of the Private Acts of 1994; as amended by Chapter 39 of the Private Acts of 2020 and Chapter 52 of the Private Acts of 2022; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Oakland.

TN SB1554

AN ACT to amend Chapter 167 of the Private Acts of 1994; as amended by Chapter 39 of the Private Acts of 2020 and Chapter 52 of the Private Acts of 2022; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Oakland.

TN HB1435

AN ACT to amend Chapter 167 of the Private Acts of 1994; as amended by Chapter 39 of the Private Acts of 2020; Chapter 52 of the Private Acts of 2022 and Chapter 30 of the Private Acts of 2023; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to Town of Oakland.

TN SB1458

AN ACT to amend Chapter 167 of the Private Acts of 1994; as amended by Chapter 39 of the Private Acts of 2020; Chapter 52 of the Private Acts of 2022 and Chapter 30 of the Private Acts of 2023; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to Town of Oakland.

TN HB1437

AN ACT to amend Chapter 519 of the Private Acts of 1953; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 55 of the Private Acts of 2014; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Charter for the City of Crossville.

TN SB1461

AN ACT to amend Chapter 519 of the Private Acts of 1953; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 55 of the Private Acts of 2014; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Charter for the City of Crossville.

TN HB1564

AN ACT to amend Chapter 89 of the Private Acts of 2008; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Town of Burns.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.