SB2967 Summary

• Changes procurement language from "may" to "shall" for purchasing supplies and services from qualified not-for-profit agencies serving persons with disabilities, making it mandatory rather than optional.

• Expands eligibility from agencies serving only "severe" disabilities to those serving "significant" disabilities, and adds requirement that agencies provide competitive, integrated employment opportunities at minimum wage or better.

• Adds four new members to the State Use Committee: Director of Healthcare and Family Services, Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and 2 members who have a disability.

• Establishes new factors for committee bid review including comparison to private business rates, federal contractor rates, state historical costs, actual manufacturing costs with consideration for equitable wages, and customary distribution costs.

• Requires committee to develop a 5-year plan within 180 days to increase purchases from qualified agencies and explore mandatory set-aside contracts.