House Bill 688 Summary

• Amends Idaho Code Section 67-5716 to exclude Lewis-Clark State College, Idaho State University, Boise State University, and Eastern Idaho Technical College from the definition of "Agency" under state purchasing requirements.

• Creates new Idaho Code Section 67-5728 allowing the four specified state institutions of higher education to establish their own procurement and purchasing policies substantially consistent with state requirements, subject to approval by the state board of education.

• Permits approved institutions to operate independently from state purchasing chapter requirements, except when the state enters into open contracts, which institutions must utilize unless justifiable cause exists for non-compliance.

• Establishes a sunset date of July 1, 2013, after which all provisions of the act expire and become null and void.