WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1605

Juvenile law matters.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Alexander and 9 co-sponsors

HB 1605 makes the Construction Manager-General Contractor method a permanent option for Arkansas transportation projects, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Signed by the Governor
#agencies;familyandsocialservicesadministration(fssa) #childrenandminors;childreninneedofservices(chins) #childrenandminors;fostercare #courts;juvenilecourts #health;childrenandminors
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1605

Summary of House Bill 1605 (HB 1605)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1605 (HB 1605) aims to amend the existing Construction Manager-General Contractor (CM-GC) Method of Procurement Pilot Program in Arkansas. The primary goal of this legislation is to make the CM-GC method a permanent option for the State Highway Commission, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of transportation project procurement.

Key Provisions

  • Permanent Program Establishment: The bill transitions the CM-GC method from a pilot program to a permanent program for the State Highway Commission.

  • Repeal of Independent Study Requirement: The legislation removes the previous requirement for an independent consultant study that compared the benefits and costs of the CM-GC method with traditional procurement methods.

  • Project Selection and Cost Limits:

    • The State Highway Commission can select up to five transportation projects for the CM-GC method, with a total construction cost not exceeding $200 million for the first phase and $500 million for the second phase.
    • Individual project cost estimates cannot exceed $100 million for the first phase and $150 million for the second phase.

  • Notification Requirements: The Director of State Highways and Transportation must notify specific legislative committees about the selected projects and the rationale for using the CM-GC method.

  • Termination Clause: The program established under this bill will not terminate before June 30, 2026, ensuring a minimum period for its implementation and evaluation.

Affected Parties

  • State Highway Commission: This body will gain a permanent procurement method, potentially leading to more streamlined project delivery.
  • Contractors and Construction Firms: These entities may benefit from increased opportunities to engage in transportation projects under the CM-GC method.
  • Arkansas Taxpayers: The bill aims to improve cost-effectiveness in transportation projects, which could result in better use of public funds.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 26, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was read and passed in both the House and Senate on March 11, 2025.
  • Enrolled: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on March 12, 2025.
  • Act Status: As of March 18, 2025, HB 1605 has been enacted as Act 328.

Conclusion

HB 1605 represents a significant shift in Arkansas's approach to transportation project procurement by making the CM-GC method a permanent option. This change is expected to enhance project delivery efficiency and effectiveness while reducing the need for extensive independent studies. The legislation reflects a commitment to improving infrastructure development in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.