FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2657

C 166 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring the purchase of Washington grown commodities for state institutions.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Hunt, Armstrong, Linville, Schoesler, O'Brien, Holmquist, Chase, Roach, Ogden, Clements, Cox, Mulliken, Barlean, Sehlin, Conway and Rockefeller.

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade

Background:

The Department of General Administration (GA) purchases material, supplies, services, and equipment needed for use in state institutions, colleges, and departments.  Alternatively, an agency may purchase material, supplies, services, and equipment directly from a vendor if the agency notifies the GA that it is more cost‑effective.  The GA may also delegate to state agencies authorization to purchase or sell materials, supplies, services, and equipment within a specified dollar amount.

With some exceptions and to the extent feasible, all purchases and sales must be based on competitive bids following a formal sealed bid procedure.

Summary:

The GA must encourage state and local agencies to purchase Washington fruit, vegetables, and agricultural products when available.

The GA must work with the Department of Agriculture and other interested parties to identify and recommend strategies to increase public purchasing of Washington fruit, vegetables, and agricultural products and report back to the Legislature in September 2002 and January 2003.

Votes on Final Passage:

House940

Senate450(Senate amended)

House940(House concurred)

Effective:  March 27, 2002