Senate Bill No. by Senator Hodges aims to bolster homeland security by prohibiting state agencies from entering into contracts with foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations. The bill grants the governor the authority to cancel such contracts if they are found to benefit these entities, categorizing such contracts as providing material support to enemies of Louisiana and the United States. It emphasizes the significant risks these contracts pose to public safety and state security, justifying the governor's power to terminate them. The legislation also defines key terms related to foreign adversaries and terrorist organizations, mandates that state agencies must not knowingly award or renew contracts with these groups, and requires contractors to certify their compliance.

Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for the governor regarding the designation of state contracts, including mandatory consultation with the director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the attorney general. The governor must notify key legislative leaders within 48 hours of any contract designation. The law introduces a certification process for contractors, ensuring they have not benefited from or been convicted of related offenses in the past five years, with penalties for violations including contract termination and potential debarment for up to 25 years. The attorney general is empowered to enforce these provisions, and the law clarifies that it does not conflict with federal law or infringe upon constitutional rights, taking effect upon the governor's signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB388 Original: