A. The appropriateness of the creation and use of an independent consortium to monitor and investigate alleged violations of the state purchasing code of conduct;

B. The factors that should be considered in defining and ensuring the independence of the consortium;

C. The manner in which other local and state governments would become members of the consortium;

D. The fiscal, personnel and equipment resources that would need to be dedicated by the State to create, implement and administrate the use of a consortium; and

E. The process by which a consortium, if used by the State, would investigate and report on complaints brought under the state purchasing code of conduct law.

4. Monthly reports; notice of meetings. The working group shall provide bimonthly progress reports to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state and local government matters and shall notify committee members of each meeting of the working group. A final report with recommendations, including, if necessary, recommended proposed legislation, that are supported by at least 5 of the 8 voting members of the working group regarding the creation and use of a consortium must be submitted to the committee on or before January 15, 2007.

5. Termination of working group. The working group terminates January 15, 2007.

SUMMARY

This bill makes several changes to the law regarding the state purchasing code of conduct. Specifically, the bill:

1. Details the process that bidders must follow in filing an affidavit under the law;

2. Describes when investigations by the State Purchasing Agent will be initiated;