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HR 3258119th CongressIntroduced
Parity in Engineering Act
Introduced: May 7, 2025
Infrastructure
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
Parity in Engineering Act would narrow the current exemption for Minnesota in federal requirements governing the contracting for engineering and design services on certain transportation projects. By amending 23 U.S.C. 112(b)(2)(F), the bill would strike Minnesota from the list of states excluded from these contracting rules and replace the exclusion with a maintained exclusion solely for West Virginia. In practical terms, Minnesota would be treated the same as other states subject to these federal contracting requirements, while West Virginia would remain exempt. The bill is introduced and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; it has not yet become law.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and change: The bill removes Minnesota from the statutory exclusion and keeps West Virginia as the sole excluded state regarding contracting for engineering and design services under certain Federal-aid highway provisions.
- 2Specific statutory change: Amends Section 112(b)(2)(F) of title 23, United States Code by striking the phrase “the States of West Virginia or Minnesota” and inserting “the State of West Virginia.”
- 3Effect on Minnesota: Minnesota would be subject to the contracting requirements for engineering and design services that apply to other states (i.e., Minnesota would no longer be excluded).
- 4Effect on West Virginia: West Virginia remains excluded from these contracting requirements.
- 5Status and process: Introduced in the House on May 7, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; no further action indicated in the text provided.
Impact Areas
Primary group/area affected: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and engineering/design service contractors bidding on Minnesota projects funded under Federal-aid highway programs.Secondary group/area affected: Other engineering and design firms seeking work on Minnesota projects; potentially FHWA oversight and administration of the contracting rules as they apply to Minnesota.Additional impacts: Possible changes in procurement practices, competition, and administrative compliance costs for Minnesota; potential implications for project timelines and bid processes. West Virginia remains unaffected by the change.
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