S257 - 2026 Appropriations Act. (SL 2026-41)
Session Year 2024
Overview: Section 22.6 of S.L. 2026-41 (Senate Bill 257) provides that no contract that is subject to G.S. 143-129 and is for the construction of water systems or facilities or sewage disposal systems or facilities must be awarded by the State or a political subdivision of the State unless it receives at least two competitive bids from reputable and qualified contractors regularly engaged in the endeavor. If fewer than two competitive bids are received from qualified contractors, the board or governing body must advertise again. However, if fewer than two competitive bids are received after the second advertisement, the board or governing body may award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder even if only one bid is received.
This section became effective July 7, 2026, and applies to contacts awarded on or after that date but before January 1, 2031. These provisions expire on January 1, 2031, but the expiration does not affect the validity of a contract awarded before January 1, 2031.
Additional Information: