New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey A5657: Local public contract-concerns bidder qualifications
Status: In committee, October 19, 2026
Allows local contracting unit to accept bid up to 10 percent more than lowest responsible bid in awarding public contracts under certain circumstances.
What the bill says
An Act concerning bidder qualifications in the award of local public contracts and amending P.L.1971, c.198.
From the introduced text, October 19, 2026:
An Act concerning bidder qualifications in the award of local public contracts and amending P.L.1971, c.198. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. Section 4 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-4) is amended to read as follow: 4. a. [ADDED: (1)] Every contract awarded by the contracting agent for the provision or performance of any goods or services, the cost of which in the aggregate exceeds the bid threshold, shall be awarded only by resolution of the governing body of the contracting unit to the lowest responsible bidder after public advertising for bids and bidding therefor, except as is provided otherwise in [this act] [ADDED: P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.)] or specifically by any other law. [ADDED: (2)] The governing body of a contracting unit may, by resolution approved by a majority of the governing body and subject to subsections b. and c. of this section, disqualify a bidder who would otherwise be determined to be the lowest responsible bidder, if the governing body finds that it has had prior negative experience with the bidder. [ADDED: (3) The governing body of a contracting unit may, by resolution approved by a majority of the governing body and subject to subsection d. of this section, award a contract to a bidder that offers a price …
Sponsors
- Larry Wainstein (D, 33) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : INT 1RA REF ASL
Subjects: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Common questions
- What is A5657?
- A5657 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Local public contract-concerns bidder qualifications.
- What does A5657 do?
- In its own words: An Act concerning bidder qualifications in the award of local public contracts and amending P.L.1971, c.198.
- What is the status of A5657?
- In committee as of October 19, 2026. Latest action: INT 1RA REF ASL (October 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored A5657?
- Larry Wainstein (D, 33).
- Where is the official record for A5657?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A5657
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.