VirginiaVirginia local governments could favor nearby firms in some bids
The proposed substitute would let county, city, and town governments favor local bidders in tied or closely priced bids for public contracts.
What it does
When bids tie, a local government may favor goods or work from its area if a local option is available.
A local bidder within 5% may get preference if the government lets it match the lowest qualified bid.
Argument forLocal businesses could win some public contracts when their bids tie or come close to the lowest bid.
Argument againstA local bidder could match the lowest qualified bid and get the contract, which might keep the original low bidder from winning.
More detail
A county, city, or town government may prefer local goods, services, or construction when bids tie. The goods, services, or construction must be produced in the locality or provided by a person or business whose main place of business is there. A local option must be available. Otherwise, the tie is decided by lot unless § 2.2-4324 applies. This applies only to bids submitted under a written Invitation to Bid.
A county, city, or town government may prefer a local bidder whose bid is within 5% of the compared bid. The preference covers goods, services, or construction produced in the locality or provided by a person or business whose main place of business is there. The government must give the local bidder the option to match the lowest responsive and responsible bid. If neither choice is available, § 2.2-4324 applies. This applies only to bids submitted under a written Invitation to Bid.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 20Continued to next session in Counties, Cities and Towns (Voice Vote)
- Feb 20Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
- Feb 17Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #3Minor
- Feb 3Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and TownsMinor
- Feb 3Read first timeMinor
- Feb 3Placed on Calendar
- Jan 27Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 0-N 0-A)Passed Senate
- Jan 26Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB318)
- Jan 26Engrossed by Senate - committee substituteMajor
- Jan 26Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)
- Jan 26General Laws and Technology Substitute agreed toMajor
- Jan 26Read second timeMinor
- Jan 23Passed by for the day
- Jan 23Committee substitute printed 26105866D-S1Major
- Jan 23Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
- Jan 23Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
- Jan 23Rules suspended
- Jan 21Reported from General Laws and Technology with substitute (15-Y 0-N)Minor
- Jan 21General Laws and Technology Substitute
- Jan 13Referred to Committee on General Laws and TechnologyMinor
- Jan 13Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101680DIntroduced
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