This bill amends R.S. 38:2318.1 to establish a clear process for negotiating contracts for architectural and engineering professional services by political subdivisions and agencies in Louisiana. It emphasizes that these entities must select firms based on competence and qualifications rather than price, and introduces a structured negotiation process. If a satisfactory contract cannot be reached with the most highly qualified firm, the agency is required to formally terminate negotiations and proceed to negotiate with the next selected firm until a contract is successfully negotiated.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the provisions do not affect existing contracts related to design-build or public-private partnerships as outlined in specific sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. It also reinforces the policy that all records related to the selection of architectural and engineering services must be publicly accessible, in line with Louisiana's constitutional and statutory requirements for transparency.

Statutes affected:
HB794 Original:
HB794 Engrossed:
HB794 Reengrossed:
HB794 Enrolled:
HB794 Act 788: