Sec. 1. 5 MRSA c. 155, sub-c. I-B is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER I-B

PURCHASING CODE OF CONDUCT

§1825-K.__Bidders to adopt purchasing code of conduct as

part of bid process; affidavit required

The State Purchasing Agent may not accept a bid as governed by subchapter I-A unless the supplier of the goods or services subject to the bid process has filed with the agent a signed affidavit, provided by the State Purchasing Agent stating that the supplier will comply with the state purchasing code of conduct established under section 1825-L.__The State Purchasing Agent shall make a copy of the state purchasing code of conduct available to all bidders.

§1825-L.__State purchasing code of conduct

1.__Provision of affidavit; statement of belief.__The State Purchasing Agent shall provide suppliers of goods and services who submit bids as part of the competitive bidding process with an affidavit as required by this subchapter.__That affidavit must include a copy of the following statement of belief:

"Maine is a state that believes employers should fairly compensate hard work, that the health and safety of working people should be protected and that no form of unlawful discrimination or abuse should be tolerated.__The State of Maine's objective is to utilize the State's purchasing power to influence those from whom the State procures products and services to:

Embrace high standards of ethical behavior;

Assume a leadership role in socially responsible business practices;

Encourage openness and disclosure with regard to labor practices;

Utilize tools for self-evaluation, certification and external monitoring to demonstrate socially responsible business practices;

Comply with all applicable laws and regulations;