SB 242 - This act allows a preference to be given to any resident bidder as against a nonresident bidder when a contract for a public improvement is to be awarded to the lowest and best bidder if that state or foreign country of the nonresident bidder gives or requires any preference to bidders from that state or foreign country including, but not limited to, any preference to bidders, the imposition of any type of labor force preference, or any other form of preferential treatment to bidders or laborers from that state or foreign country. Nonresident bidders bidding on public improvements under this act are required to specify on all project bid specifications and contract documents whether any bidding preference is in effect in the nonresident bidder's state or country of domicile at the time of a bid submittal. The Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is given various powers and authority under this act, including the power to: · Investigate violations of this act; · Sue for injunctive relief against the awarding of a contract; · Hold hearings; · Take or cause depositions to be made; and · Subpoena the production of witnesses and relevant evidence. Violations of this act are subject to monetary penalties of up to $1,000 for a first violation, up to $5,000 for a second violation, and up to $15,000 for a third and subsequent violation. This act is substantially similar to HB 1494 (2020). SCOTT SVAGERA