• A House bill filed on Tuesday by Rep. Philip Griffitts would require any public works project to use U.S.-produced iron or steel. 
• Mirroring failed legislation filed last year, the requirement can be bypassed, however, if the governmental entity administering the funds deems that U.S. iron or steel products cannot be produced in sufficient quantities.
• Developers can also import foreign steel if the use of American-produced materials increases the total cost of the project by more than 20 percent. 
• According to the United Nations, American importation of iron and steel peaked at $38.9 billion in 2021, the highest recorded figure in nearly four decades.

A House bill filed by Rep. Philip Griffitts on Tuesday would require public projects to use domestically-produced iron and steel.

In the bill’s purview, any government agency that enters into a contract for a public works project or for the purchase of materials for a public project must stipulate that any iron or steel products used in the project are made in the United States.

The requirement can be bypassed, however, if the governmental entity administering the funds deems that U.S. iron or steel products cannot be produced in sufficient quantities. Further, foreign iron or steel can be imported if the use of American-produced materials increases the total cost of the project by more than 20 percent.

If adopted, the new regulation would take effect on July 1st. It would apply to a wide range of projects, including the construction and maintenance of buildings, roads, streets, and utility systems, among others

According to the United Nations, American importation of iron and steel peaked at $38.9 billion in 2021, the highest recorded figure in nearly four decades.

Moreover, approximately 21 percent of the structural steel used in the U.S. in 2017 was sourced from foreign nations, according to the American Institute of Steel Construction.

Griffitts’ bill closely mirrors failed legislation filed last year by Rep. Anthony Rodriguez, which also sought to mandate the use of domestically-produced steel. Despite receiving favorable feedback from a series of committees and subcommittees, the measure was withdrawn from consideration towards the end of the 2022 Legislative Session.

“HB 619 helps strengthen the economy, create new jobs, and promote responsible environmental practices. Florida taxpayer-funded projects should give support to American companies and workers who continue to manufacture and keep jobs here at home,” said Rodriguez last year. “We as a state and taxpayers should not reward companies that move their operation dollars and jobs to countries such as communist China.”

The bill also draws similarities to stipulations within the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Under the legislation, all involved iron or steel operations are required to take place in the United States. As with Griffitts’ bill, the federal mandate allows for imported steel under specific circumstances, like cost control and product availability.