BILL REQ. #:  H-4881.1 

Read first time 02/02/10.   Referred to Committee on Education Appropriations.

     AN ACT Relating to protecting Washington businesses that contract with higher education institutions for goods and services; amending RCW 43.19.534; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 43.19.534 and 2009 c 470 s 717 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) State agencies, the legislature, and departments shall purchase for their use all goods and services required by the legislature, agencies, or departments that are produced or provided in whole or in part from class II inmate work programs operated by the department of corrections through state contract. These goods and services shall not be purchased from any other source unless, upon application by the department or agency: (a) The department of general administration finds that the articles or products do not meet the reasonable requirements of the agency or department, (b) are not of equal or better quality, or (c) the price of the product or service is higher than that produced by the private sector. However, the criteria contained in (a), (b), and (c) of this ((section)) subsection for purchasing goods and services from sources other than correctional industries do not apply to goods and services produced by correctional industries that primarily replace goods manufactured or services obtained from outside the state. The department of corrections and department of general administration shall adopt administrative rules that implement this section.
     (2) During the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, and in conformance with section 223(11), chapter 470, Laws of 2009, this section does not apply to the purchase of uniforms by the Washington state ferries.
     (3) During the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium, any exemptions granted to higher education institutions by the office of financial management before January 1, 2010, must remain in effect for the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium and the office of financial management may not rescind any exemptions for the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.