House Bill No. by Representative Gadberry amends R.S. 38:2318.1(A) and (B) to establish a policy for selecting architectural and engineering professional services in Louisiana. The bill prohibits the state and certain governmental entities, as well as individuals they contract with, from considering price or price-related information when selecting professionals for projects funded by state or local resources. This change emphasizes the importance of competence and qualifications over cost in the selection process.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that political subdivisions, agencies, or their contracted representatives must negotiate contracts at compensation rates deemed fair and reasonable by the agency head. If negotiations with the initially selected firm do not result in a satisfactory contract, the entity must formally terminate those negotiations and proceed to negotiate with the next selected firm, continuing this process until a satisfactory agreement is reached. This approach aims to ensure that the selection of professionals is based on their qualifications rather than their pricing.

Statutes affected:
HB312 Original: 38:1(A)
HB312 Engrossed: 38:1(A)
HB312 Reengrossed: 38:1(A)
HB312 Enrolled: 38:1(A)