Committee introduces RS31786 to amend Idaho Code 67-23-32(a) to clarify university contracting

The House Commerce and Human Resources Committee on Wednesday introduced RS31786, which would amend Idaho Code 67-23-32(a) to correct what sponsors described as an unintended effect that made it easier for out-of-state universities to win state contracts than Idaho's public universities.

Representative Cheatham told the committee that RS31786 "makes very small changes to Idaho code 67 23 32 a." He said the original code section was written to allow Idaho universities to compete more easily for contracts with state agencies but had had the opposite, unintended consequence of advantaging out-of-state schools. "The reality is the bill was proposed by, ISU and and U of I to compete with Boise State since they were getting most of the contracts because the agencies are here in Boise," Cheatham said, adding that the RS retains contracting transparency so "we can keep track of who has contracts with whom, and it will streamline the process thus simplifying government."

Representative Kent moved to introduce the RS. The committee chair called for the question, and members approved the motion; the committee recorded the motion as passed.

Cheatham told the panel that the provision being corrected was brought into law several years earlier and that representatives of the Department of Administration and the original House sponsor (who is no longer in the legislature) would be available to answer detailed questions if the RS is scheduled for a hearing. The committee did not debate technical changes to contract language during the introduction.

The introduction puts RS31786 into the committee record so it can be scheduled for later action and, if referred, for floor consideration according to the chamber's rules.