Senate Bill No. 403 amends Oklahoma's county purchasing procedures by modifying the responsibilities of county purchasing agents, particularly in relation to bids and purchases. The bill introduces new provisions that allow purchasing agents to solicit telephone quotes and select the next lowest and best bidder if the initially chosen vendor is unable to fulfill their obligations. It also permits counties to engage in nationwide purchasing programs and outlines specific guidelines for emergency situations where competitive bidding may be waived. Key changes include the removal of previous restrictions on purchasing from only successful bidders, allowing purchases from the remaining bidders at or below the bid price. Additionally, the bill updates statutory language to ensure alignment with current practices, clarifying the requisitioning process and bidding procedures for vendor selection. It removes references to information technology and telecommunication goods while expanding the definition of services. The bill also changes the disposal language from the "Inspectors Office" to the "Office of the State Auditor and Inspector" and establishes that certain procedures do not apply in emergencies requiring immediate expenditures of up to $5,000. The bill is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2025, following its passage in the Senate on March 24, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-1501, 19-1505
Floor (House): 19-1501, 19-1505
Floor (Senate): 19-1501, 19-1505
Engrossed: 19-1501, 19-1505
Enrolled (final version): 19-1501, 19-1505