Local boards could weigh Indiana hiring when choosing public project bids

A local board may give extra weight to a bidder that meets the bid rules and can do the work. This applies to local public work expected to cost at least $300,000. The bid must be no more than 5% higher than the lowest qualified bid from a bidder that lacks these extra conditions. The board must find that awarding the contract serves the project and community. The bidder must promise that Indiana residents will make up at least 60% of the project workforce. Each counted resident must have lived in Indiana for 12 straight months before work starts. The bidder must take part in a registered apprenticeship program recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor that applies to the project work. The bidder must verify workers’ eligibility to work, give E-Verify case verification numbers to the project owner, bar independent contractors, cover employees with appropriate insurance and tax withholding, and submit certified payroll reports. These proposed rules would take effect July 1, 2026.