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HB 2145

Relating to terminating the authority of the Director of the Purchasing Division to impose a certain annual fee upon vendors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vernon Criss

House Bill 2145 eliminates the annual fee for vendors in West Virginia's procurement process, encouraging more businesses to participate and enhancing competition.

To Government Organization
#financeandadministration
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Bill Summary · HB 2145

Summary of House Bill 2145

Bill Number: HB 2145
Title: Relating to terminating the authority of the Director of the Purchasing Division to impose a certain annual fee upon vendors
Status: To Government Organization
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Finance and Administration

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2145 aims to amend the West Virginia Code by terminating the authority of the Director of the Purchasing Division to impose an annual fee on vendors. This bill seeks to eliminate financial burdens on vendors who participate in state procurement processes, thereby promoting greater participation and competition among vendors.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes:

  1. Termination of Fee Authority:

    • The Director of the Purchasing Division will no longer have the authority to charge an annual fee to vendors for receiving notifications about bid solicitations. Previously, this fee could not exceed $125 per fiscal year and was intended to cover the costs of providing such notifications.

  2. Amendments to Existing Code:

    • The bill specifically amends sections §5A-3-4 and §5A-3-12 of the West Virginia Code, which outline the rules and requirements for vendor participation in state procurement.

  3. Vendor Requirements:

    • While the fee is eliminated, vendors will still be required to submit a certificate disclosing relevant business information when bidding on state contracts. This includes details such as business address, tax identification number, and any associates involved in the business.

  4. Public Record:

    • The information submitted by vendors will remain a matter of public record, ensuring transparency in the procurement process.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Vendors: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are vendors who participate in state procurement. By removing the annual fee, the bill aims to reduce barriers to entry and encourage more businesses to engage with state contracts.
  • State Procurement Process: The bill may lead to an increase in the number of bids received for state contracts, potentially resulting in better pricing and services for the state.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey:
    • The bill was introduced in the House on February 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Finance. It passed the House on March 27, 2025, and was communicated to the Senate on the same day.
    • As of March 29, 2025, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Government Organization Committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 2145 represents a significant shift in the procurement landscape of West Virginia by eliminating the annual fee imposed on vendors. This legislative change is intended to foster a more inclusive and competitive environment for businesses seeking to engage with state government contracts. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its potential impact on vendor participation and state procurement efficiency will be closely monitored.

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

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