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 including public-private partnership agreements, and mandates that the chief purchasing officer develop rules for evaluating, soliciting, or entering into these agreements by July 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for requests for proposals related to public-private partnerships, emphasizing the need for comprehensive documentation and evaluation criteria. It specifies that any contracts must adhere to existing labor laws, including prevailing wage requirements, and mandates an objective study for agreements exceeding $25 million to assess the potential use of project labor agreements. The bill also ensures that state agencies maintain oversight of functions delegated to private partners and incorporates provisions to protect state employees from displacement due to these partnerships. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2822: 37-2-31