It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 37-2 of the General Laws entitled "State Purchases" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

{ADD 37-2-59.1. Selection of professionals with place of business located in Rhode Island. -- ADD} {ADD The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations has a large number of architectural, engineering and consulting firms well qualified in their fields of endeavor. In instances where contracts are entirely supported by state funds, it is in the best interest of the state pursuant to the provisions of sections 37-2-59 to 37-2-69 that all other things being equal, the services of these qualified and capable professionals with offices in Rhode Island, or secondly those professionals who propose a joint venture with a Rhode Island firm, be utilized. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.