LA HB773

Establishes a procurement preference hierarchy beginning January 1, 2027 for state agency purchases: (1) prison enterprises first, (2) nonprofits for the blind second, (3) nonprofits for other severely disabled persons third, and (4) nonprofits or workshops for veterans fourth.

Requires the state chief procurement officer to maintain a public list of supplies and services available from preferred sources, developed in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Louisiana Works, and the Louisiana Department of Health by December 31, 2026.

Caps prices for preferred source purchases at the lowest cooperative purchasing contract price available through the state, or no more than 15% above fair market value if no equivalent contract exists.

Eliminates the existing State Use Council for the Purchase of Goods and Services Provided by Individuals with Disabilities and replaces it with a system of facilitating nonprofits appointed by the secretaries of LDH and Louisiana Works.

Exempts purchases from preferred sources from competitive bidding requirements under the Public Bid Law and allows procurement through noncompetitive contracts.