New Jersey Assembly Bill A3610

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

Prohibits State agency from entering into certain State contracts that limits ability of State agency to install or run certain software.

Impact

If enacted, AB A3610 would significantly impact state procurement processes and the way state agencies engage with software vendors. By ensuring the freedom to install software without restrictions, the bill promotes technological flexibility within government operations. This could enhance the effectiveness of state services by allowing agencies to choose the best hardware and software configurations suited to their particular operational requirements.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3610, introduced in New Jersey, aims to restrict certain terms in state contracts related to software licensing. Specifically, the bill prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts that limit their ability to install or run software on hardware of their choosing. This legislation intends to ensure that software applications designed to operate on widely available desktop or server hardware can be used flexibly according to the needs of the agency. It is presented as a response to rigid contracting terms that could impede the operational efficiency of state agencies.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny regarding its implications for vendors and the competitive landscape of government contracting. Some stakeholders could argue that the flexibility granted by A3610 might disadvantage smaller software vendors who cannot accommodate the same level of adaptability in their offerings. Potential concerns could also arise about the impact on software security and performance since agencies would have the discretion to select hardware configurations that may not align with those recommended by software providers.