Conflict of Interest Requirement for Local Government Consultants

Print this article

HB 315, passed during the 2019 legislative session, requires consultants who help draft local governments' bid, proposal, procurement or purchasing specifications to disclose and detail whether they or their family have any possible conflicts of interest or financial interest with a firm who may respond to the bid/proposal.  There are exceptions for confidential economic development activities and economic development authorities, and while attorneys must disclose the existence of a conflict, they do not have to provide details. If your county has any questions about how to implement this new requirement, please consult with your county attorney. This new law, which became effective on July 1, 2019, can be found at O.C.G.A. § 36-80-28.