AK HB27

Changes AS 15.15.030 to require the election director to obtain competitive proposals for ballot preparation contracts, replacing the previous discretionary language allowing contracts without competitive bidding.

Creates new statute AS 15.15.031 establishing contracting procedures that award ballot preparation contracts to the most advantageous, responsive, and responsible offeror after applying a five percent Alaska offeror preference and seven percent Alaska product preference.

Defines "Alaska offeror" as a person holding an Alaska business license, maintaining a staffed place of business in the state for six months, and meeting specific residency and business structure requirements.

Defines "Alaska product" as a product produced or manufactured in Alaska where an Alaska producer controls the final outcome and no manufacturing steps are performed outside Alaska unless non-essential to the product's character.

Applies the new competitive bidding and preference requirements to all ballot preparation contracts for elections conducted on or after January 1, 2010.