Louisiana House Bill HB799

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 4/25/16

Caption

Requires certain information be included in all state contracts and certain state-related contracts (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, HB 799 will significantly amend existing laws related to the Louisiana Procurement Code and impose stricter requirements on contracts requiring transparency and compliance. These changes mean that contractors will need to certify various aspects of their dealings, such as the absence of gifts to agency personnel—addressing potential corruption risks. The requirement that these contracts be deemed public records will enable greater public access to contract details, thus fostering accountability and ensuring that taxpayers are informed regarding how public funds are being allocated. This could lead to improved governance and trust in public institutions.

Summary

House Bill 799, introduced by Representative Jay Morris, aims to enhance transparency and accountability within public contracting in Louisiana. The bill mandates that all state contracts, as well as contracts related to universities and certain nonprofits reliant on state appropriations, must include specific certifications from contractors. These certifications not only ensure that contracts do not involve corruption or conflicts of interest but also affirm that the contracts are public records, adding an additional layer of scrutiny to state-funded engagements. Therefore, by enacting this bill, the legislature seeks to enforce rigorous standards for public contracts and promote integrity in governmental dealings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 799 appears largely supportive among legislators concerned with upholding ethical standards in government contracting. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards combating corruption and fostering a culture of transparency in public administration. However, there are also voices of concern regarding the additional administrative burden this might create for small nonprofits, raising debates about whether these regulations might inadvertently discourage some organizations from engaging in contracts that serve community needs.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding HB 799 pertains to the balance between increasing oversight and ensuring that nonprofits and universities can efficiently manage their contracts without excessive regulatory hurdles. Some legislative members have expressed apprehensions that the bill may disproportionately affect smaller entities that rely on state funding, impacting their operations and preventing them from responding quickly to community needs. The debate highlights a fundamental issue in public governance—striking the right balance between accountability and practicality in the carrying out of public contracts.