‘Kia’ bill to bypass bidding process heads to governor

State agencies would be able to buy cars made in Georgia without going through the competitive bid process under legislation given final passage Friday by the Senate.

House Bill 259, sponsored by Rep. Terry Rogers, R-Clarkesville, now heads to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature. That's likely, given Deal has supported the bill as a way for state agencies to support in-state businesses.

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.

The state’s usual competitive bidding process is outlined in a series of state regulations that require sealed proposals, public advertising of many contracts and other restrictions.

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