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Bill

S 4276

Provides that State contract for non-commercial sustaining announcements will be awarded as single contract for all State agencies without public advertising for bids.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a single statewide contract with a broadcasters' nonprofit to air non-commercial PSAs for all agencies, potentially bypassing open bidding to streamline public outreach.

Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · S 4276

Summary of Senate Bill No. 4276 (S 4276)

Purpose and intent

S 4276 authorizes the State to obtain non-commercial sustaining announcements (public service announcements promoting public health and safety, public education, and outreach) through a single contract awarded to a non-profit association that represents broadcasters. The contract would cover all State agencies for the airing of these announcements and would be awarded without publicly advertising for bids when the Division of Purchase and Property determines that such an approach is in the State’s best interest, considering price and other factors.

Key provisions

  • Single contract for all agencies: The Division of Purchase and Property, within the Department of the Treasury, shall award one contract for the State’s purchase of services relating to airing non-commercial sustaining announcements on radio and television.
  • Awarding body: The contract would be awarded to a non-profit association representing broadcasters.
  • Procurement method: No public advertisement or open bidding is required if the Division determines this approach serves the State’s best interests, taking price and other factors into account.
  • Definition of non-commercial sustaining announcements: Radio and television public service announcements that promote programs such as public health and safety campaigns, public education, and public outreach or awareness missions.
  • Effective date: Immediate.

Definitions

  • Non-commercial sustaining announcements: Public service announcements aired by broadcasters to promote public programs and initiatives (as described above).

Affected parties

  • State agencies: Purchase of airing services for non-commercial announcements would be centralized under one contract.
  • Broadcasting community: A non-profit association representing broadcasters would be the contracting entity.
  • Potential bidders/vendors: While bidding is bypassed for this contract, broadcasters and related associations may be directly involved as the contracted partner.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 3, 2025.
  • Committee action: Referred to relevant Senate committee (Internet and Technology and/or Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation).
  • Status update: Reported favorably by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee; 2nd Reading as of May 29, 2025.
  • Sponsors: Primary — Brian Kavanagh; Co-sponsor — Michelle Hinchey.
  • Related legislation: S 2277 (prior-session).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Efficiency vs. competition: Centralizing to a single broadcaster association could streamline procurement and potentially reduce administrative costs, but it may reduce competitive bidding and transparency.
  • Cost considerations: Price will be a factor, but the contract could rely on negotiated terms with the broadcasting association rather than competitive bidding.
  • Public interest goals: Aligns procurement with public health/education outreach goals by ensuring stable funding and airing of PSAs across State agencies.
  • Implementation risk: Centralized contracts require robust oversight to ensure quality, reach, and accountability across agencies and markets.

This summary covers the bill’s core purpose, provisions, and likely effects based on the introduced text and accompanying committee statement.

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

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