North Dakota Senate Bill SB2370

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Engrossed: 2/20/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Report DNP: 3/13/23
• Enrolled: 3/20/23
• Passed: 3/23/23

Caption

Authorizing a city or a county to engage in cooperative purchasing.

Impact

The implementation of SB2370 is poised to significantly modify how local governments conduct their procurement activities. By promoting cooperative purchasing, cities and counties are expected to achieve savings through shared resources and collective bargaining. This move not only aligns with modern procurement strategies but also encourages collaboration among different levels of government within North Dakota. However, the bill does maintain restrictions on its applicability concerning public construction projects, indicating a careful balance between cooperative efforts and existing procurement laws designed for construction services.

Summary

Senate Bill 2370 aims to enhance collaborative purchasing opportunities for local governments in North Dakota by formalizing and expanding the authority of cities and counties to engage in cooperative purchasing agreements with other political subdivisions. This legislative initiative is designed to streamline procurement processes by allowing municipalities to benefit from bulk purchasing and joint sourcing, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency. The bill introduces new provisions that authorize local entities to enter into agreements under a joint-powers framework, specifically under Chapter 54-40.3 of the North Dakota Century Code.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB2370 appears to be broadly supportive among lawmakers, as evidenced by the favorable voting outcome in both the Senate (47-0) and House (65-28). Proponents recognize the potential benefits of cooperative purchasing in resource allocation and financial management within local governments, which can ultimately enhance service delivery. While the bill may face minimal opposition regarding public procurement practices, the overwhelming support suggests a positive reception of the initiative among legislative members and stakeholders.

Contention

Although SB2370 has received significant legislative backing, it also highlights ongoing discussions about the balance of power between state oversight and local autonomy in procurement activities. Opponents may express concerns regarding the accountability and transparency of cooperative purchasing arrangements, particularly in how they relate to competition and the selection of vendors. Nonetheless, such challenges are expected to be addressed through existing guidelines governing joint-powers agreements, ensuring that local governments remain compliant with ethical procurement standards.