Buy American for Iron & Steel In Public Works Projects
HB 779 by Rep . Griffits / SB 674 by Sen . Boyd
PASSED / Vote Count : House — 103-9 ; Senate — 38-1
NUCA of Florida has defeated this legislation for the past three years , but this Session the bill unfortunately made it past the finish line . SB 674 requires local governments to utilize iron or steel produced in the United States for any public works projects . The legislation waives this requirement if the governmental entity determines that any of the following apply :
■ The iron or steel products required are not produced in the United States in sufficient quantity , not reasonably available or unsatisfactory quality ;
■ The use will increase the total cost of the project by more than 20 percent ; or
■ Compliance is inconsistent with public interest .
SB 674 provides a governmental entity may allow a minimal use of foreign iron and steel materials in the project if they are ancillary to the primary product and the cost of the materials do not exceed 0.10 percent of the total contract cost , or $ 2500 , whichever is greater . The bill does not apply to contracts procured by the Florida Department of Transportation .
Property Assessed Clean Energy Program ( PACE )
HB 927 by Rep . Trabulsy / SB 770 by Sen . Martin
PASSED / Vote count : House — 87-24 ; Senate-34-2
SB 770 makes changes to the PACE program in a bid to bolster protections for consumers and ensure they don ’ t get in over their head with expensive financing arrangements . The measure also expands the program to be used for converting from septic to sewer systems , which could have environmental benefits . The PACE program allows funding for home energy upgrades through a tax bill lien funding program , where the money is loaned against the value of the home and paid back as an addon to the homeowner › s property tax bill , making the upgrades available to people who can › t afford or can › t get a bank loan .
SB 770 also includes new provisions that protect consumers , including reducing the maximum term of financing from 30 to 20 years , adding an income test and making clear that no single loan can exceed 20 % of the home ’ s value . In addition , provisions would strengthen rules about contractors and give homeowners three days to change their minds about PACE financing .
6 DITCHMEN • MARCH 2024