HF4989

1. Purpose

2. The bill would require materials used in state-funded projects to be manufactured in the United States, with a focus on cement, concrete, and steel, and would create a formal waiver process for cases where domestic-made materials aren’t available or would cause excessive costs or emergencies.

3. Key Definitions

4. Covered project: Infrastructure, transportation, housing, school, or public facility project funded by state money.

5. Made in the United States: “Made in the United States means all the components of cement concrete and steel that were not produced in the United States constitute less than five percent of the total cost of the cement concrete and steel.” In practical terms, at least 95% of the cost of the cement, concrete, and steel must be US-made.

6. Main Provisions

7. Requirement for domestic materials: A covered project receiving state funds must use cement, concrete, and steel that are made in the United States.

8. Waiver process: An agency may grant a waiver if one of the following applies: 1) No cement, concrete, or steel meeting the US-made requirement is available. 2) Requiring US-made materials would increase the project’s cost by more than 25%. 3) An emergency exists that requires immediate procurement and compliant materials are not immediately available.

9. Waiver transparency: The agency must publish a copy of any granted waiver on its website within 30 days of approval.

10. Guidance and policy updates: The commissioner must provide guidance to state procurement staff and update policies to include a bid preference for covered projects that commit to using products manufactured in the state.

11. Relationship to other laws: If another state law applies and conflicts with this section, this bill’s requirements apply only to the extent they do not conflict with that other law.

12. Implementation & Impact

13. This adds a new domestic-material requirement for state-funded projects and establishes a formal waiver mechanism, reporting duties, and a state-product bid preference. It could affect project planning, costs, and supplier choices, while aiming to promote US-made cement, concrete, and steel.

Relevant Terms - American-made materials - Made in the United States - Cement - Concrete - Steel - Covered project - Waiver - Emergency - Cost increase (25 percent) - Bid preference - State procurement - Minnesota Statutes chapter 16B - 16B.01 - 16B.313A - Agency website