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Read. Follow. Verify.Pennsylvania prohibits proprietary and discriminatory specifications in public works contracts
Last action · March 11, 2025: Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, March 11, 2025Sponsor: Sheryl Delozier
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What This Bill Would Do
Pennsylvania bans public works contract specifications from including , exclusionary, or discriminatory requirements unless specific performance, , compatibility, or sole-source exceptions are met. The measure requires specifications to list essential performance features for equivalents and take effect in 60 days.
Changes bidding standards for public works projects across the state, altering how state and local agencies draft contract requirements and how contractors propose alternative parts or equipment.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
contractors bidding on public works
Contractors are given statutory assurance that equivalent parts and equipment must receive equal consideration during the bidding process.
contracting agencies awarding public works contracts
Agencies must alter how they draft contract specifications to remove proprietary requirements unless justified by specific statutory exceptions.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does House Bill 859 do regarding public works contracts?
Are there any exceptions where proprietary requirements are permitted?
What must agencies do regarding alternative or equivalent parts?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Mar 11, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to STATE GOVERNMENT, March 11, 2025
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
www.palegis.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance50How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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