H.4056 would restrict contracting firms from bidding on DOT projects if a firm is owned, either fully or partially, by a trust that benefits a person, a person’s family, or a person’s firm who has been disqualified for bidding on DOT contracts. In other words, this bill attempts to close loopholes that would allow disqualified bidders from securing contracts in a roundabout manner.
The Nerve recently reported on the relationship between DOT commissioner John Hardee and Lamar Advertising, of which Hardee is the director of governmental affairs. Lamar Advertising has control over South Carolina Logos, a company that engages in multi-million dollar contracts with DOT to erect advertising signs along the state’s interstates. H.4054 would attempt to dissolve these relationships.