LA HB312

Prohibits the state, political subdivisions, agencies, and any persons they contract through from using price or price-related information when selecting architects, engineers, landscape architects, and land surveyors for projects using state or local funding

Requires selection of architectural and engineering professionals to be based solely on competence and qualifications, with compensation negotiated afterward at a "fair and reasonable" rate determined by the agency head

Extends the existing "No Bidding" policy restrictions to third-party contractors acting on behalf of government entities, closing a potential loophole in the prior law

Maintains the existing process requiring formal termination of negotiations with one firm before moving to the next-ranked firm if a satisfactory contract cannot be reached

Amends R.S. 38:2318.1(A) and (B), strengthening Louisiana's qualifications-based selection policy for professional design services