Tennessee § 6-56-302 - Application of part.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-56-302 — Application of part., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6-56-302. Application of part.
This part shall apply to all purchases by authorized officials in all municipalities using or encumbering municipal funds, except as follows: This part shall not apply to purchases by authorized officials in municipalities that have a charter provision or private act that either establishes within the charter or act itself dollar limits over which competitive bidding is required, or authorizes the municipality to set a dollar limit by ordinance but establishes the maximum dollar limit over which competitive bidding is required, and the municipality has established either by charter, private act, or ordinance general bidding procedures that include, but are not limited to, public advertising, securing and opening bids, and any exemptions from competitive bidding. Any exemptions must be substantially similar to those listed in § 6-56-304, except that any dollar amounts listed must be established in accordance with the municipality's charter or private act; This part shall not apply to purchases by authorized officials in municipalities that have charter provisions relative to competitive bidding but that do not establish a dollar limit over which competitive bidding is required, as long as the municipality, by ordinance, establishes: A dollar limit over which competitive bidding is required, which may not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); A dollar limit, which may not exceed forty percent (40%) of the amount established under subdivision (2)(A), over which the municipality need not advertise but must, when possible, obtain three (3) competitive bids and below which no advertisement or competitive bidding is required; Procedures for public advertising, securing, and opening bids; and Any exemptions from competitive bidding, which must be substantially similar to those listed in § 6-56-304, except that any dollar amounts listed must be in accordance with the municipality's ordinances; This part shall not apply to purchases made under § 12-3-1201; This part shall not apply to investments in or purchases from the pooled investment fund established pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 7; This part shall not apply to purchases from instrumentalities created by two (2) or more cooperating governments such as, but not limited to, those established pursuant to the Interlocal Cooperation Act, compiled in title 12, chapter 9; and This part shall not apply to purchases from nonprofit corporations such as, but not limited to, the Local Government Data Processing Corporation, whose purpose or one of whose purposes is to provide goods or services specifically to municipalities. Acts 1983, ch. 451, § 8; 1984, ch. 765, § 1; 2006, ch. 814, § 1; 2007, ch. 84, §§ 1, 2. Compiler's Notes. Former § 12-3-1001 , formerly referred to in this section, was transferred to § 12-3-1201 by Acts 2013, ch. 403, § 68, effective July 1, 2013. Attorney General Opinions. Where a city council has complied with the city charter provisons regarding bidding and purchasing procedures, the city is exempt under T.C.A. § 6-56-302(1) , OAG 05-120, 2005 Tenn. AG LEXIS 122 (7/29/05). A municipality that is subject to the Municipal Purchasing Law of 1983 may not implement a policy that grants a preference to local businesses bidding on municipal contracts. OAG 13-92, 2013 Tenn. AG LEXIS 95 (11/25/13).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 6-56-302
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-56-302 cover?
Section 6-56-302 ("Application of part.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 6-56-302?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-56-302" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 6-56-302 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.