House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to amend the procurement process for voting systems in Louisiana by introducing significant changes to the methods of approval and evaluation. The bill replaces the term "solicitation of bids" with "procurement and use" and allows for competitive sealed proposals or invitations to negotiate, moving away from the previous competitive request for proposals process. A new Voting System Proposal Evaluation Committee is established to independently review proposals and make recommendations to the secretary of state, ensuring a fair evaluation process. Additionally, the bill mandates that all voting systems undergo examination by a laboratory accredited by the United States Election Assistance Commission to ensure compliance with certification standards before procurement.

The bill also outlines legal and contractual remedies related to the procurement process, including the right to protest against solicitations or contract awards and the authority of the chief procurement officer to resolve such protests. It specifies that any solicitation or proposed award found in violation of the law must be canceled, and it provides for ratification or termination of contracts awarded in violation of the law. Furthermore, it limits recoverable damages for aggrieved parties to reasonable costs incurred, excluding attorney fees, and establishes penalties for intentional violations of the procurement code. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and compliance within the procurement process for voting systems in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB577 Original: 18:1361(A), 18:1362(A)(1), 18:1(I)(1), 18:2(A)