AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS OR FACILITIES MAY BE AWARDED WHEN AT LEAST TWO COMPETITIVE BIDS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 143‑132 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

(a1)    Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, no contract to which G.S. 143‑129 applies for construction of water systems or facilities, or sewage disposal systems or facilities, shall be awarded by any board or governing board of the State, or any political subdivision of the State, unless two competitive bids have been received from reputable and qualified contractors regularly engaged in their respective lines of endeavor. Except as provided in this subsection, all requirements of subsection (a) of this section apply to the receipt of bids and the award of construction contracts. For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)        Sewage disposal systems or facilities. – Sewage disposal systems or facilities, including all plants, works, instrumentalities, and properties used or useful in the collection, treatment, purification, or disposal of sewage.

(2)        Water systems or facilities. – Water systems or facilities, including all plants, works, instrumentalities, and properties used or useful in obtaining, conserving, treating, and distributing water for domestic or industrial use, irrigation, sanitation, fire protection, or any other public or private use.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to contracts entered into on or before December 31, 2030.