NC H1093

Establishes a competitive sealed bidding process for the General Assembly to hire outside counsel, with solicitation beginning no later than October 1 of each even-numbered year and requiring at least 30 days for bids.

Requires bids to be advertised in multiple newspapers and electronic means, opened publicly by the Legislative Services Commission, and awarded to the lowest responsible, responsive bidder based on quality and performance by majority vote.

Makes the bidding process the exclusive method for hiring outside counsel, except allows the Legislative Services Commission to hire additional counsel for special unforeseen legal needs using the same bidding process with a minimum of two bids.

Mandates the Legislative Services Commission post all outside counsel contracts, bids received, and award decisions on the General Assembly website for public access.

Appropriates $20,000 to the General Assembly for fiscal year 2016-2017 for technological upgrades to implement the new bidding process requirements, effective July 1, 2016.