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Bill

HB 1560

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; AND TO REQUIRE PRICING INFORMATION FOR LIGHTING COMPONENTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Caldwell and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1560 sought to boost competition and transparency in public works by requiring three bids for lighting components, benefiting local businesses and lowering costs.

Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1560

Summary of House Bill 1560

Bill Number: HB 1560
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Public Works Contracts; and to Require Pricing Information for Lighting Components for Public Works Projects
Status: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 24, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1560 aimed to amend existing laws regarding public works contracts in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the procurement of lighting components for public projects. The intent was to enhance transparency and competition in the bidding process for lighting installations by requiring multiple bids from specialized lighting agencies.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code § 22-9-203, which governs the award procedures for contracts related to public improvements:

  1. Three-Bid Requirement:

    • Public entities, including the state, municipalities, and school districts, would be prohibited from contracting with a contractor for projects designed by electrical engineering firms unless the design allowed for bids from at least three separate lighting agencies.

  2. Definition of Lighting Agency:

    • A "lighting agency" is defined as an entity that represents one or more lighting manufacturers for sale through electrical distribution houses.

  3. Exemptions:

    • The three-bid requirement would not apply to municipal electric utilities.
    • Architects or electrical engineers could procure specialty fixtures outside of the three-bid requirement if justified by design aesthetics or historical considerations.

Impact

The proposed legislation was designed to:
- Increase Competition: By mandating multiple bids, the bill aimed to foster competitive pricing and potentially lower costs for public works projects involving lighting.
- Enhance Transparency: The requirement for multiple bids would provide public entities with a clearer understanding of pricing options available in the market.
- Support Local Businesses: By involving multiple lighting agencies, the bill could benefit local manufacturers and suppliers.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • February 24, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time; rules suspended for a second reading and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs - House.
  • March 12, 2025: Returned by the committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 13, 2025: Read for the third time but failed to pass.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died on the House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1560 aimed to improve the procurement process for lighting components in public works projects, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The proposed changes reflected a push for greater accountability and competition in public contracting, particularly in the area of lighting design and installation.

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

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