Davis Bill Increasing Transparency in State Procurement Process Signed into Law

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – A new law introduced by state Rep. Will Davis, D-Homewood, will bring more transparency to the state contracting process and encourage more diverse businesses to compete.

“Although we have made some strides in getting more diversity in the list of vendors that do business with the state, we still have a long way to go,” said Davis. “It is absolutely critical that we use every tool at our disposal to make sure that some of our tax dollars flow back to our community in the form of payments to businesses that work with the state.”

Davis introduced House Bill 2192, which offers more transparency and guidance to help minority-owned and women-owned businesses navigate the state contracting process. The measure requires state agencies, including the Department of Transportation (IDOT), Capital Development Board (CDB) and Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISHA) to submit in writing reasoning for rejecting a firm’s bid after four failed attempts.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker last month.

“This law is just the latest step in a long line of efforts to make our state’s list of contractors and vendors more diverse,” said Davis. “There are countless businesses run by underserved individuals, and I think they deserve all of the help and assurance that the state can provide to help them pursue opportunities.”