Bill
A 409
Bill A 409 boosts transparency by banning confidentiality clauses in state and municipal contracts, ensuring public access to contract information and promoting accountability.
Bill Number: A 409
Title: Prohibits confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions from inclusion in certain contracts entered into by the state or a municipality
Status: Referred to Governmental Operations
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill
Bill A 409 aims to enhance transparency in government contracting by prohibiting the inclusion of confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions in contracts entered into by the state or municipalities. The intent is to ensure that the public has access to information regarding government contracts, thereby promoting accountability and reducing the potential for corruption or misuse of public funds.
Prohibition of Confidentiality Clauses: The bill specifically prohibits any confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements in contracts made by state or municipal entities. This means that any information related to these contracts must be made available to the public.
Scope of Application: The prohibition applies to all contracts entered into by state agencies and local government entities, ensuring that all aspects of these agreements are subject to public scrutiny.
Exceptions: While the bill does not explicitly outline exceptions, it may be inferred that certain sensitive information, such as personal data or security-related details, could still be protected under existing laws.
State and Municipal Governments: The bill directly impacts how state and local governments conduct their contracting processes, requiring them to revise existing contracts and practices to comply with the new transparency requirements.
Contractors and Vendors: Businesses and organizations that enter into contracts with the state or municipalities will need to adjust their expectations regarding confidentiality and may face increased scrutiny regarding their dealings with government entities.
The Public: Citizens will benefit from increased access to information about government contracts, fostering greater public engagement and oversight.
Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 08, 2025, and has been referred to the Governmental Operations committee for further consideration.
Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
These related bills may provide context or additional legislative history that could influence the discussion and potential passage of A 409.
Bill A 409 represents a significant step towards enhancing transparency in government contracting. By prohibiting confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions, the bill seeks to empower the public with information and promote accountability within state and municipal operations. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its implications for government contracting practices.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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