Bill Summaries: S296 (2025-2026 Session)

Tracking:
  • Summary date: Mar 17 2025 - View summary

    Enacts GS 143-128.5, concerning the required use of American-produced iron and steel products. Requires a governmental entity awarding a contract for a public works project or for the purchase of materials for a public works project to mandate that any iron or steel product permanently incorporated in the project be produced in the United States. Exempts:

    • Public works project for which the governmental entity administering the funds for the project or the purchase of materials for the project finds that any of the following apply: (1) US iron or steel is not available in sufficient quantity or of sufficient quality; (2) the total cost of the materials will increase the project by more than 20%; or (3) compliance is not in the public interest.
    • Public works projects that make minimal use of foreign iron or steel under the described conditions.
    • Electrical components, equipment, systems, and appurtenances, including supports, covers, shielding, and other appurtenances related to an electrical system, necessary for operation or concealment, except transmission and distribution poles.
    • Contracts awarded by the Department of Transportation subject to the Buy America requirements of 23 C.F.R. § 635.410.

    Defines public works project as an activity paid for with any State-appropriated funds or State funds administered by a governmental entity which consists of the construction, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodeling, or improvement of a building, road, street, sewer, storm drain, water system, site development, irrigation system, reclamation project, gas or electrical distribution system, gas or electrical substation, or other facility, project, or portion thereof owned in whole or in part by any governmental entity. Instructs that GS 143-128.5 must be applied in a manner consistent with, and may not be construed to impair, the State's obligations under any international agreement. Defines governmental entity, iron or steel project, manufacturing process, and produced in the United States. Applies to contracts awarded on or after July 1, 2026.