An Act to promote American manufacturing

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rodney Elliott and 6 co-sponsors

Requires that public construction contracts use-made-in-USA materials (iron, steel, fabricated steel, and manufactured goods) with limited waivers.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Overview

H.3411, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to increase use of American-made materials in public construction projects by requiring state and municipal agencies to favor U.S.-manufactured iron, steel, fabricated steel, and other manufactured goods. The bill adds new procurement requirements to Chapter 7 and Chapter 30B of the General Laws, with waivers and enforcement provisions. It has been reported favorably by a committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. A hearing was scheduled for July 15, 2025, and the bill was later moved to Ways and Means on October 20, 2025. The bill is a reintroduction (HD 520 in a prior session).

Key Provisions

Section 22P (Chapter 7): Use of American Materials

Public agencies must include a contract provision that the iron, steel, fabricated steel, and manufactured goods used in public construction projects be manufactured in the United States.
Waivers allowed if:
(1) application would be inconsistent with the public interest;
(2) materials/products are not produced in the U.S. in sufficient quantity or quality; or
(3) inclusion would increase the project cost by more than 25%.
If a waiver is requested, agencies must provide at least 30 days for public comment and publish a detailed justification if a waiver is issued.
Intentional mislabeling of products as “Made in America” or misrepresentation of origin can render a person ineligible for state contracts; enforcement by the Attorney General.

Section 20A (Chapter 30B): Domestic Materials in Public Projects

For contracts over $500,000 related to public construction or public works, the contract must require that iron, steel, fabricated steel, and manufactured goods be manufactured in the United States.
The domestic-material requirement may not apply if fewer than three U.S. steel manufacturers/fabricators submitted responsive bids.

General/Procedural Features

Severability: if any part is invalid, the remainder stays in effect.
Enforcement: primarily through the Attorney General.
Notices and public comments: required for waiver decisions, with electronic dissemination.

Affected Parties

State agencies and municipal authorities involved in public construction and public works.

Contractors and subcontractors bidding on public-building and public-works projects.

U.S. manufacturers and suppliers of iron, steel, fabricated steel, and manufactured goods.

Bid proposers who might be affected by the “three bidders” threshold in Section 20A.

Timelines and Process

Referred to State Administration and Regulatory Oversight upon introduction (2/27/2025).

Reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means (2025-10-20).

Hearing previously scheduled (07/15/2025) as part of committee proceedings.

Related matter previously filed in 2023-2024 as House No. 3108.

Impact and Implications

Aims to promote domestic manufacturing by embedding mandatory U.S.-made content in public construction contracts.

Creates potential cost and waiver considerations for projects, including a 25% cost-increase threshold for waivers.

Introduces stricter labeling enforcement and possible debarment for false “Made in U.S.A.” claims.

Could affect bidding dynamics, particularly around the Section 20A $500,000+ project threshold and the “three bids” condition.

Bill