To enact section 153.75 of the Revised Code to ensure that all proven and acceptable piping materials be included in bids for water and wastewater utility service improvement projects.

Section 1. That section 153.75 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 153.75.  (A) For the purposes of this section:

(1) "Governmental agency" includes the following:

(a) A county, township, municipal corporation, or any other body corporate and politic that is responsible for government activities in a geographic area smaller than that of the state;

(b) Any organized body, agency, institution, or other entity established by the laws of the state for the exercise of any function of state government.

(2) "Acceptable piping material" means piping material that meets the current recognized standards issued by ASTM international and the American water works association, or their successor organizations.

(B) When contracting for a water or wastewater utility service improvement project, a governmental agency shall:

(1) Procure only acceptable piping material;

(2) Consider the quality, sustainability, durability, and corrosion resistance of the acceptable piping materials in relation to the project requirements;

(3) Consider the up-front cost of installation of the acceptable piping materials;

(4) Consider acceptable piping material to be suitable for the project only if the use of that material is commensurate with sound engineering practices and the project requirements.