Committee advances SB202 to tighten state construction-bonding language
Summary
Senate Bill 202, an agency bill presented by Representative Howard Beatty, was reported favorably after committee members agreed to modify statutory bonding language so contracts and bonds fully cover the state's exposure on construction projects.
Representative Howard Beatty presented Senate Bill 202 to the House Committee on Public Transportation as an agency bill making a targeted change to statutory bonding language for state construction contracts. "Basically, this bill is just a small modification on the bonding language," Beatty said, explaining the change ensures contracts are fully executed and bonds cover the state's exposure.
Beatty said the amendment clarifies that bonds must fully cover the state's exposure on a project rather than rely on a fixed percentage alone. Committee members asked whether the prior 25% figure (found in earlier language) remained relevant; Beatty and members agreed the new wording ties coverage to the actual exposure rather than a fixed percent.
No public testimony for or against the bill was recorded. Representative Richmond moved that the bill do pass; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.
Why it matters: The sponsor framed SB202 as a technical agency cleanup meant to ensure state protection in construction contracting. The committee did not discuss broad policy changes or budgetary impacts during the hearing.
Next steps: The committee reported the bill favorably to the House floor.
