The bill amends Section 37-2-31 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-2, titled "State Purchases," to establish a framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in state procurement. It introduces several definitions, including "private partner," "project labor agreement," and "public-private partnership agreement," which clarify the roles and responsibilities of non-governmental entities involved in these partnerships. The bill allows for the use of various contract types that serve the state's best interests, specifically highlighting the inclusion of public-private partnership agreements.

It mandates that the chief purchasing officer develop rules by July 1, 2027, to evaluate, solicit, or enter into public-private partnership agreements, ensuring that the process promotes and encourages their use. The rules will be developed in consultation with relevant professionals, including contractors and labor organizations.

The bill outlines the requirements for requests for proposals related to public-private partnerships, which must include detailed documentation on the private partner's qualifications, financial plans, and adherence to labor laws. It emphasizes the importance of oversight by state agencies, stating that a state agency utilizing a public-private partnership remains responsible for oversight of any functions delegated to the private partner. Contracts must be awarded through competitive procurement in accordance with existing state purchasing laws.

Additionally, the bill specifies that for agreements exceeding $25 million, an objective study must be conducted to assess the potential use of project labor agreements. It also requires that all contracts for public-private partnerships adhere to labor and payment laws, including the payment of prevailing wages and other relevant contracting requirements. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of state procurement through structured public-private collaborations.

Statutes affected:
7674: 37-2-31