WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5723

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- STATE-OWNED AND OPERATED PRINTING FACILITIES PREFERENCE ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Carson and 9 co-sponsors

Requires state agencies, higher ed, and quasi-public bodies to use Rhode Island's own print shops for orders over 50 copies when practicable and capable, effective immediately.

06/24/2025 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5723

Summary: State-Owned and Operated Printing Facilities Preference Act (HB 5723, Substitute A)

Overview

HB 5723, titled the State-Owned and Operated Printing Facilities Preference Act, adds Chapter 167 to Title 42 of the Rhode Island General Laws. The act creates a procurement preference that requires state agencies, state institutions of higher education, and quasi-public agencies to use state-owned or state-operated printing facilities for printing jobs when practicable and the facility is capable of handling the work. The substitute version (Sub A) outlines the same core intent and provisions.

Status: Signed by Governor on June 24, 2025

Introduced: February 26, 2025 (originally), with Substitute A later adopted
Effective date: Upon passage (immediate effect after signing)

Purpose and intent

  • To promote use of state-operated printing facilities for printing needs, thereby supporting state-owned infrastructure and potentially achieving efficiencies or coordination benefits in government printing operations.
  • Establishes a clear preference for internal government printing capabilities for certain orders, subject to practicality and capability.

Key provisions

  • Establishes Chapter 167: State-Owned and Operated Printing Facilities Preference Act.
  • 42-167-2 Use of state-owned/operated printing facilities:
    • Applies to any state agency, state institution of higher education, and quasi-public agency.
    • Required when printing more than 50 copies of:
    • Contract, publication, brochure, mail piece, notice, and/or promotional material.
    • The state-owned/operated print shop must be used “when practicable” and must be capable of processing and manufacturing the material.
  • Short title: “State-Owned and Operated Printing Facilities Preference.”
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage.

Who is affected

  • State agencies (e.g., executive branch departments and offices).
  • State institutions of higher education.
  • Quasi-public agencies operating within Rhode Island.
  • Vendors and contractors supplying printing services to state entities may be affected indirectly, especially if previously used for larger print orders.

Practical implications and potential impact

  • Purchasing/Procurement: Agencies must evaluate state print shops first for orders exceeding 50 copies, assuming the facility can handle the scope and quality requirements.
  • Capacity and practicality: The mandate relies on the facility being capable and practicable, leaving room for discretion if the internal facility cannot meet timelines, specs, or volume needs.
  • Costs and efficiency: Could affect private printers that previously handled government orders; potential cost implications depend on state facility pricing, capacity, and turnaround times.
  • Timeline: Immediate effect upon passage; no transitional period specified.

Legislative history (highlights)

  • 2025-01-21: Referred to Joint Committee on General Law
  • 2025-03 to 2025-05: Committee hearings, substitute introduced, and legislative action on Sub A
  • 2025-06-18: Senate passed Substitute A in concurrence
  • 2025-06-24: Governor signed into law

Summary

HB 5723 Sub A creates a legal framework to prioritize printing performed by Rhode Island’s own state-owned or state-operated facilities for orders over 50 copies, provided the facilities can handle the work “practically.” It applies to state agencies, public higher education institutions, and quasi-public agencies and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.