CONTRACTS/BIDS: Authorizes the use of fillable form to receive electronic public bids

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jacob Braud

Allows public entities to submit bids electronically via a fillable form while preserving all text and fields of the Louisiana Uniform Bid Form, with no added bidder requirements.

Effective date: 05/29/2026.

1) Purpose and Intent

HB 860 authorizes public entities in Louisiana to use a fillable electronic bid form for submitting bids on public works projects.

The bill preserves the existing requirement to use the Louisiana Uniform Bid Form, but allows the form to be submitted electronically in a fillable format, provided it contains all text and fields from the Uniform Bid Form.

It aims to modernize bid submission methods by enabling electronic, fillable forms while maintaining the integrity and requirements of the standard bid form.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Retains Existing Bid Rules: The bill keeps current law that public entities cannot waive bidding rules or the Louisiana Uniform Bid Form requirements.

Electronic Fillable Bid Form: Public entities may use a fillable electronic bid form for submitting bids, as long as the form includes all text and fields from the Louisiana Uniform Bid Form.

No New Bidder Requirements: The use of an electronic form may not introduce additional bidder requirements or input fields beyond those in the Uniform Bid Form.

Formatting Deviations: Any deviations in formatting from the standard bid form are not considered violations.

Amended Statute: The changes are made to R.S. 38:2212(B)(2).

Effective Date: The act provides for an effective date—upon signature by the governor. (If not signed, it becomes effective as allowed by the Louisiana Constitution; if vetoed and subsequently approved by the legislature, it becomes effective the day after such approval.)

3) Who Is Affected

Public Entities: State agencies, municipalities, parishes, and other public bodies that procure public works contracts.

Bid Respondents (Bidders): Contractors and suppliers submitting bids for public projects. They must submit bids using the standard Louisiana Uniform Bid Form text and fields even when using the electronic fillable format.

Procurement Officials: Those responsible for bid administration and ensuring compliance with bidding rules and forms.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Amendments Added: House Floor Amendments (No. 1 and No. 2) include a clarifying effective date and a minor technical change. The second amendment provides for the governor’s signature-based effective date.

Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon the governor’s signature. If not signed, it takes effect in accordance with constitutional provisions. If vetoed and subsequently approved by the legislature, it becomes effective the day after such approval.

Status and Path: The bill progressed through committee and floor votes in the House, with amendments adopted, and was transmitted to the Senate before final passage.

5) Notable Details

The bill explicitly requires that any electronic bid form maintains all required elements of the La. Uniform Bid Form (e.g., basic bidder information, bid security, acknowledgment of addenda, base bid, alternates, signatures, license numbers, unit prices where applicable).

It clarifies that deviations in formatting from the standard form do not constitute violations, focusing on the substantive content rather than cosmetic differences.

If you’d like, I can add an area-by-area comparison showing exactly which elements of the Uniform Bid Form are required in both paper and electronic formats.

Bill