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Bill

S 373

Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act

119th Congress Introduced by Marsha Blackburn and 10 co-sponsors

Bill S 373 boosts government transparency by banning confidentiality clauses in state and municipal contracts, ensuring public access to contract details and promoting accountability.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 373

Summary of Bill S 373

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 373
  • 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 On: January 08, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 373 is to enhance transparency in government contracting by prohibiting the inclusion of confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements in contracts entered into by the state or municipalities. This legislation aims to ensure that the public has access to information regarding government contracts, thereby promoting accountability and reducing the potential for corruption.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Confidentiality Clauses: The bill explicitly prohibits state and municipal contracts from containing clauses that restrict the disclosure of contract terms or related information.
  • Transparency Requirements: By eliminating confidentiality provisions, the bill mandates that all contract details be made available to the public, allowing for greater scrutiny of government spending and decision-making processes.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:
    • State and Municipal Governments: All contracts entered into by these entities will be subject to the new transparency requirements.
    • Contractors and Vendors: Businesses and organizations that engage in contracts with the state or municipalities will need to adapt to the absence of confidentiality clauses, which may affect their competitive strategies and proprietary information.
    • The Public: Citizens will benefit from increased access to information regarding government contracts, fostering a more informed electorate and encouraging civic engagement.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 08, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.
  • February 11, 2025: First report calendar.
  • February 12, 2025: Second report calendar.
  • February 24, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • February 25, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly; subsequently referred to Governmental Operations.

Related Legislation

  • A 409: Companion bill in the Assembly that mirrors the provisions of S 373.
  • Prior Session Bills:
    • S 3402
    • S 1196
    • S 545

These prior-session bills may provide context or background on similar legislative efforts aimed at enhancing transparency in government contracting.

Conclusion

Bill S 373 represents a significant step towards increasing transparency in government operations by prohibiting confidentiality clauses in contracts. If enacted, it will empower the public with greater access to information, thereby promoting accountability and trust in governmental processes.

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

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