Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
Became law
Last action · April 7, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 39)

Introduced January 15, 2026

House
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to local public agency transactions.

Amend KRS 45A.345, relating to local procurement, to define "best value" and redefine "evaluated bid price" as "economic efficiency"; amend KRS 45A.365 to require invitations for bids to state that awards be made on the best value rather than the lowest evaluated bid price; delete requirement for the inclusion of a reciprocal preference for resident bidders; require awards to the best value bid rather than the bid that is lowest evaluated bid price remove reference…

In effect since July 15, 2026

Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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This bill changes how local government agencies in Kentucky purchase goods and services. It shifts the standard for awarding contracts from the lowest bid price to the "best value," raises the spending threshold for simplified purchasing procedures from $40,000 to $60,000 (with automatic increases every five years), and removes existing rules that gave preference to Kentucky-based businesses when bidding on government contracts. Who it may affect: local government agencies, businesses that bid on government contracts, and taxpayers whose money funds local public purchases.

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Legislative History

Jan 15, 2026 · House
Introduced In House
Jan 15, 2026 · House
To Committee On Committees (H)
Jan 23, 2026 · House
To Economic Development & Workforce Investment (H)
Feb 12, 2026 · House
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Feb 13, 2026 · House
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 17, 2026 · House
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Wednesday, February 18 2026 (clerical)
Feb 18, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 97-0 With Committee Substitute (1)
Yea: 97
Nay: 0
Absent: 3
LegiScan roll call
Feb 19, 2026 · Senate
Received In Senate
Mar 25, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 38-0
Yea: 38
Nay: 0
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Michael Meredith

Michael Meredith

Representative · House District 019

Primary sponsor
Michael.Meredith@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (1)

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Portrait of George Brown

George Brown

Representative · House District 077

Co-sponsor
George.Brown@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted: Acts chapter (final law)

Most current
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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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