2024 -- S 2827

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LC004947

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES

     Introduced By: Senator F. Lombardi

     Date Introduced: March 22, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     (Dept. of Administration)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 37-2-59 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-2 entitled "State

Purchases" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     37-2-59. Professional services — Architectural, engineering, and consultant services

— Committee.

     (a) It shall be the policy of this state to publicly announce requirements for architectural,

engineering, and consultants services, which are reasonably estimated to exceed twenty thousand

dollars ($20,000), and to negotiate contracts for such professional services on the basis of

demonstrated competence and qualifications and at fair and reasonable prices.

     (b) Except for architectural, engineering and consultant services which can be solicited and

awarded in accordance with the requirements for competitive sealed offers set forth in §§ 37-2-18

— 37-2-19 of this chapter, a selection committee shall select persons or firms to render such

professional services. For state agency contracts, the committee shall consist of the following

individuals: the purchasing agent, or his or her designee, as chairman; a representative of the user

agency; and a public member, appointed by the governor, subject to the advice and consent of the

senate, who shall represent the interests of the general public. The governor may appoint an

alternate public member, subject to advice and consent of the senate, who shall represent the

interests of the general public who shall serve in the absence of the public member. The term of the

public member shall be concurrent with that of the governor. Three (3) Two (2) members, one

being the purchasing agent or his or her designee, shall constitute a quorum. A quorum must be

present to conduct business.

     (c) The procurement of auditing and accounting services shall continue to be subject to the

provisions of §§ 22-13-6 and 35-7-13.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES

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     This act would reduce the required number of members present to constitute a quorum from

three (3) to two (2) members.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004947

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