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HJ 42

Interim study on procurement, no-bid contracts, and transparency on no-bid purchases

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Becky Edwards

Launches an interim study of sole-source/no-bid contracts and transparency to boost competition and accountability, guiding future laws and admin rules.

(H) Filed with Secretary of State
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Bill Summary · HJ 42

Summary — HJ 42: Interim study on procurement, no-bid contracts, and transparency on no-bid purchases

Status: Joint resolution — Filed with Secretary of State (final procedural steps completed May 6, 2025)
Introduced: January 24, 2025
Primary sponsor: Rep. Becky Edwards
Replaces: LC 4368

Purpose and intent

HJ 42 authorizes an interim legislative study focused on state procurement practices, with particular attention to use of sole‑source or no‑bid contracts and the transparency of such purchases. The intent is to gather information, identify problems or gaps in current law or administrative practice, and develop findings and possible policy or statutory recommendations for the Legislature to consider in a subsequent session.

Key provisions (scope and activities)

  • Directs the Legislature to conduct an interim study concerning:
    • Use and frequency of no‑bid / sole‑source contracts across state agencies.
    • Legal thresholds, exemptions, and administrative practices that permit no‑bid procurements.
    • Current transparency, reporting, and public disclosure requirements for no‑bid purchases.
    • Oversight, conflict‑of‑interest safeguards, and accountability mechanisms tied to procurement.
    • Potential legislative or administrative reforms to improve competition, economy, and public confidence.
  • Establishes which legislative body or committee will carry out the study and conduct hearings (the bill is a joint resolution so work is intended to be bipartisan/legislative in nature).
  • Anticipates collection of testimony and data from state agencies, procurement officers, vendors, and other stakeholders.

(Note: the filed summary and legislative history specify the study mandate and procedural adoption; the resolution itself (text) would contain the precise assignment, membership, deadlines, and reporting requirements.)

Who is affected

  • State executive agencies and procurement offices (processes and recordkeeping).
  • Current and prospective vendors/suppliers who compete (or are excluded from) state contracts.
  • Legislators and legislative committees that will analyze results and craft follow‑up bills.
  • Taxpayers and the public, through potential changes in transparency, accountability, and cost control.

Procedural / timeline points

  • Introduced Jan 24, 2025; received committee hearings and favorable reports; adopted by both House and Senate (consent calendar) Jan 28, 2025.
  • Subsequent committee activity and concurrence occurred through April 2025; enrolled and signed by legislative leaders and filed with the Secretary of State May 6, 2025.
  • As a joint resolution creating an interim study, the measure does not itself modify procurement law; rather it produces information and recommendations to inform future legislation or administrative changes.

Potential impact

If implemented, the study could lead to statutory changes or new administrative rules tightening controls over no‑bid contracts, increasing reporting or disclosure requirements, and strengthening oversight — with implications for procurement timelines, vendor competition, and public transparency.

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

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