SB 216: TRANSPORTATION/DEV DEPT: Authorizes the Department of Transportation and Development to use certain bidding processes. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT See Note) - Louisiana

Senate Floor Bureau Note, #2014, Connick, Adopted → SB216 Act · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill enacts a new law allowing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to use the A+B bidding method for road construction projects. This method combines traditional unit pricing with a time penalty to incentivize faster project completion. The law specifically applies to large, complex projects meeting certain criteria, such as high traffic volume, long duration, or high cost.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of available bidding methods by introducing a new option (A+B) for specific types of road construction projects that were previously not eligible for this method.

REQUIREMENT

Added authority for the Department of Transportation and Development to use the A+B bidding method, which combines cost and time estimates to determine the winning bid.

ELIGIBILITY

Established specific eligibility criteria for using A+B bidding, including projects with over 20,000 average daily vehicles, construction times exceeding 365 days, costs over $10 million, or those built in multiple phases.

DEFINITION

Defined 'A+B bidding' as a cost-plus-time bidding method where the lowest combined total of unit price and time penalty wins the contract.

TIMELINE

Set an effective date of July 1, 2025, for the department to begin evaluating the use of this new bidding method.

SB216 Original → Senate Floor Bureau Note, #2014, Connick, Adopted · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to remove the requirement for the Department of Transportation and Development to use the A+B bidding method, instead allowing them to use other best project delivery practices. Additionally, the specific language requiring contracts to discourage delays by preventing 'excessive change orders' was deleted, broadening the scope of how the department can manage project timelines.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from mandating a specific bidding method (A+B) to allowing flexibility for other best practices, and it removed a specific restriction on change orders.

REQUIREMENT

Deleted the mandatory requirement to use the A+B bidding method, replacing it with a mandate to use 'other best project delivery method practices'.

Removed the specific provision requiring contracts to preclude 'excessive change orders' as a method to discourage delays.

SB216 Enrolled → SB216 Original · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill changed the statutory citation from R.S. 48:255.8 to R.S. 48:2086 and removed specific eligibility thresholds (such as minimum traffic volume, project duration, and cost) that previously determined when the A+B bidding method could be used. The updated version mandates the use of this bidding method for all eligible road construction projects starting July 1, 2025, while also requiring contract provisions to discourage delays and incentivize early completion.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a conditional application based on specific project size and duration criteria to a broader mandate applicable to all road construction projects meeting general criteria, removing the specific numerical thresholds for traffic, time, and cost.

REQUIREMENT

Removed specific numerical thresholds (e.g., 20,000 daily traffic, 365-day duration, $10 million cost) that previously determined if a project qualified for the A+B bidding method.

Added explicit contract provisions requiring incentives for contractors who complete projects before the deadline and measures to discourage delays caused by excessive change orders.

TECHNICAL

Changed the statutory citation from R.S. 48:255.8 to R.S. 48:2086.

TIMELINE

Clarified that the new bidding requirements apply to contracts executed on or after July 1, 2025.

SB216 Reengrossed → SB216 Enrolled · 4 edits · Jun 11, 2025

MODERATE

The bill transitioned from a 'Reengrossed' version containing legislative committee amendments to the final 'Enrolled' version ready for the Governor's signature. The most significant substantive change is the removal of the specific effective date (July 1, 2025) found in the summary of amendments, meaning the law will now take effect immediately upon the Governor's signature or the expiration of the signing period. The core policy regarding the use of 'A+B bidding' for large, complex road projects remains intact.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding which projects qualify for special bidding remains unchanged, but the timeline for implementation shifted from a fixed future date to the date of enactment.

TIMELINE

Removed the specific provision stating the law would begin on July 1, 2025, allowing it to take effect immediately upon approval.

TECHNICAL

Changed the document header from 'REENGROSSED' to 'ENROLLED' and updated page counts to reflect the final version.

Deleted the 'Summary of Amendments' section that explained the differences between the original bill and the reengrossed version.

Removed the specific committee amendment notes that listed changes like removing mandatory language for A+B bidding, as these were resolved in the final text.

SB216 Engrossed → SB216 Reengrossed · 4 edits · Jun 3, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was reengrossed to shift from a mandatory requirement to a discretionary evaluation of the A+B bidding method for state road projects. Key changes include adding specific criteria for project eligibility, such as high traffic volume, long construction timelines, high costs, or multi-phase construction, and removing previous provisions regarding excessive change orders and incentives for early completion.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from mandating the use of A+B bidding to allowing the Department of Transportation and Development to evaluate its use only for projects meeting specific new criteria.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the requirement for using A+B bidding from mandatory to discretionary, allowing the department to evaluate its use rather than requiring it.

Removed provisions related to excessive change orders and incentives for contractors to complete projects before the effective date.

ELIGIBILITY

Added specific criteria for project eligibility, including projects on roadways with over 20,000 daily vehicles, projects taking longer than 365 days, projects costing over $10 million, or projects built in multiple phases.

TIMELINE

Maintained the July 1, 2025 start date for evaluating the use of the A+B bidding method.

TRANSPORTATION/DEV DEPT: Authorizes the Department of Transportation and Development to use certain bidding processes. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

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