Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7584

Introduced
2/9/24  

Caption

Reduces the required number of members present to constitute a quorum from three (3) to two (2) members.

Impact

If enacted, this change could have significant implications for how public contracts are negotiated and awarded. By lowering the number of members required for a quorum, the bill seeks to expedite processes that can currently be slowed down by the need for more members to be present. This could potentially lead to quicker approvals and enhanced efficiency within state projects, which is likely to be favorable for state operations and service delivery.

Summary

House Bill 7584 aims to amend the quorum requirement for selection committees related to state purchases, specifically professional services like architectural and engineering services. The current law mandates that three members are necessary to form a quorum for these committees. This bill proposes to reduce that number to two members, streamlining the decision-making process for state contracts.

Contention

However, the bill may face criticism regarding the adequacy of oversight in the decision-making process. Critics may argue that a quorum of only two members could undermine the level of scrutiny and accountability in awarding contracts, possibly leading to concerns over transparency and fairness in the procurement process. Opponents may also point out the risk of excluding broader stakeholder input in decisions that significantly impact public funds and services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6017

Retirement System--membership And Service Credits

RI S0521

Retirement System--membership And Service Credits

RI H5189

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)

RI S1126

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay (creates A 13 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By May 31, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

RI H6496

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay (creates A 13 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations On The Issues Relating To The Reduced Catch Of Quahogs In Narragansett Bay, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By May 31, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)

RI H5353

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Examine And Make Recommendations To Combat The Rising Threat Of Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities (creates A 15 Member Commission To Examine And Make Recommendations To Combat The Rising Threat Of Targeted Violence Against Faith Communities, And Report Back To The House By February 7, 2024, And Expire On May 7, 2024.)

RI S0046

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Senate Commission To Study Non-plurality Voting Methods And Runoff Elections For General Assembly And General Officer Primaries (creates A 7 Member Commission To Study Non-plurality Voting And Runoff Elections For General Assembly And General Officer Primaries, And Report Back To The President Of The Senate By October 31, 2023, And Expire On December 31, 2023)

RI H6512

Joint Resolution Amending The Joint Resolution Creating A Permanent Legislative Commission On Child Care In Rhode Island (this Resolution Would Amend The Commission Name, Membership, Appointment Process, Purpose, Funding Allowance Designation, Timeline For Membership, And Meeting Schedules.)

RI H5136

House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (require The House Clerk To Publish Certain Information Regarding Decisions Made By The Speaker And Appeals By Members To The Decisions.)

RI H6089

House Resolution Extending The Reporting And Expiration Dates, And Requiring Reappointment Of The Membership Of The Legislative Commission To Study The Entire Area Of Land Use, Preservation, Development, Housing, Environment, And Regulation (extends The Reporting And Expiration Dates And Requires A Letter Of Continued Interest To The Speaker For Reappointment Of Membership, To The Commission To Study The Entire Area Of Land Use From 6/8/23 To 6/8/25 And Would Expire On 6/30/25.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.