The bill amends Chapter 37-2 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 37-2-83, which prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts that limit their ability to install or run software on hardware of their choosing. The bill defines "state agencies" as per the existing definition in 37-2-7 and specifies that "state software application purchases" encompass all types of agreements related to the procurement or disposal of supplies, services, construction, or any other items funded in whole or in part by state resources. This includes various contract types such as fixed-price, cost-plus, leases, and purchase orders.

Under this new provision, any contract for the licensing of software applications intended for installation by state agencies and designed to run on generally available desktop or server hardware must not impose limitations on the agency's ability to install or run the software on hardware of their choosing. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.