H.B. 531 Summary

• Requires state purchasing agencies to include an option for produce contractors to lease state agricultural lands when awarding produce purchase contracts.

• Mandates purchasing agencies provide the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources with details on produce being procured so the college can identify suitable state agricultural land for lease.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to determine lease terms for identified land and include these terms in procurement solicitations; contractors may accept the lease option after contract award.

• Exempts county purchasing agencies from these requirements and allows both parties to negotiate different lease terms if they mutually agree.

• Takes effect July 1, 3000.