Gov. Nathan Deal signed a proposal into law Wednesday aimed at helping one existing Georgia-based automaker - and potentially luring another.
The new law, House Bill 259, would let state purchasing agents purchase cars made in Georgia without going through a competitive bidding process.
Kia Motors is Georgia's only major auto manufacturer, and thousands of employees work at its West Point-based plant and a string of nearby suppliers. But it could soon have company, as Volvo nears a decision on where it will place its first U.S.-based factory. Georgia and South Carolina are both on the short list for the project.
The competitive bidding process is outlined in a series of state regulations that require sealed proposals, public advertising of many contracts and other restrictions. The legislation also exempts some contracts worth less than $25,000 from going through the process. Previously, the threshold was set at $5,000.
At a signing ceremony at a Kia training facility, Deal said the changes will promote more government efficiency and send a message to prospective businesses.
“It’s important that we recognize if somebody makes the investment and creates jobs in our state, they should be given a preference,” he said. “And that’s exactly what this legislation does.”
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