DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 794 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Gadberry
Abstract: Requires political subdivisions and agencies to negotiate a compensation rate that the
agency head determines is fair and reasonable with the most highly qualified firm selected
and then move to the next highly qualified selected firm if a contract cannot be negotiated
until a contract is successfully negotiated.
Present law establishes a policy for the state, its political subdivisions, and its agencies to select
architectural and engineering professional services based on competence and qualifications for a fair
and reasonable price.
Present law provides that the state and its political subdivisions or agencies cannot select architects,
engineers, landscape architects, and land surveyors using price or price-related information as a
factor in the selection.
Proposed law retains present law and requires that a political subdivision or agency negotiate a
contract for professional services at a compensation rate the agency head determines is fair and
reasonable with the most highly qualified firm and if it cannot negotiate a contract with that firm,
it should begin negotiating with the next most qualified firm and repeat until a contract is
successfully negotiated.
Present law excludes certain contracts that are authorized under present law.
Present law requires records defined by present law dealing with the selection of architectural and
engineering services to be public records.
(Amends R.S. 38:2318.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Change requirement for political subdivisions or agencies to negotiate from a fair and
reasonable price to professional services at a compensation rate the agency head
determines is fair and reasonable.
2. Remove by the selection board qualification for the most highly qualified firm selected.