Relating to the requirements for construction contracts for certain water supply projects, treatment works, and flood control measures.
Impact
One of the essential features of SB1416 is its provision that promotes the use of local labor and mandates that iron and steel products used in the projects be domestically produced. The rationale is to bolster the local economy and support domestic manufacturing, particularly relevant for construction that often uses significant amounts of materials like steel. It aims to ensure that local contractors can tap into these projects and potentially stimulate job creation within the local community.
Summary
SB1416 aims to amend the Water Code by detailing requirements for construction contracts involving water supply projects, treatment works, and flood control measures. The bill emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that contractors submit proper bid guarantees and establish solid performance and payment bonds that ensure the completion of high-quality work. Specifically, it mandates that these bonds be valued at 100% of the contract price and remain effective for a year after project approval. This change is meant to safeguard public funds and ensure project reliability and accountability.
Contention
Despite some support, the bill may face contention regarding its domestic production requirement. The stipulations that allow waivers necessitate that exceptions be justified based on availability, cost, or quality of materials sourced outside the U.S. Critics may argue that this could hinder the completion of projects due to potential supply chain issues, especially in the context of fluctuating market conditions where materials may not always be available stateside at a competitive price. Opponents of the bill could also see these requirements as an undue burden on contractors who might be pressed to meet compliance under tight deadlines.
Notable_points
The bill specifies that contracts governed under this newly amended section apply only to those initiated after its effective date, ensuring that pre-existing contracts maintain their original legal stipulations. This aspect reflects an intentional consideration of lawmakers to avoid retroactive application of newly established procedures, which could complicate ongoing projects and contractual obligations.
Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
Relative to tenant and contract manufacturers of beer, wine, and liquor; allowing pharmacists to administer influenza, COVID-19, and other FDA licensed vaccines without explicit approval from the general court; and, restricting the purchase of real property on or around military installations.
Provides relative to the determination of where sales and use taxes are due on purchases of certain raw materials converted into asphaltic concrete (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)