The bill amends Section 37-2-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-2, titled "State Purchases," by introducing new definitions related to food and food supplies. It defines "food" to include articles used for food or drink for people or animals, chewing gum, and components of food or drink articles. Additionally, "food supplies" are defined as non-durable, consumable items used to store, handle, serve, package, or present food, which excludes equipment, appliances, furnishings, and capital items.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 37-2-22 to allow for small purchases of food and food supplies, with a limit of $25,000, alongside the existing limit of $10,000 for other purchases. This change enables the procurement of food and food supplies under the small purchase regulations set by the chief purchasing officer, ensuring that procurement requirements are not artificially divided to qualify as small purchases. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7999: 37-2-7, 37-2-22