Legislative committee adopts updated contracting rules to match DAS thresholds

The Joint Committee on Legislative Administration adopted updated contracting rules for the legislative branch on June 13, 2025, aligning the branch's procurement thresholds with Department of Administrative Services guidance and expanding coverage to offices created since the rules were last revised.

Bridal Haynes, legislative administrator, told the committee the contracting rules had not been updated in about seven years and that "DAS has also increased their contracting limits that define as small, intermediate or large, contract or procurement." Haynes gave examples: "the current small limit is $10,000. It'll move up to $25,000. Intermediate will go from $25,000 to $250,000." He said large procurements will be above the new intermediate cap and that the changes also add agencies that now have contracting authority, including offices created after the prior rules.

Co-chair Wagner moved to adopt the changes recommended by Legislative Administration to the legislative branch contracting rules. The committee called the roll and the motion passed.

Committee members asked clarifying questions during discussion. Senator Bonham asked about the contracting authority of the Legislative Equity Office; Haynes said that detail was addressed in the contracting rules item that followed and that the updated rules bring the branch limits to match DAS. No amendments were recorded in the transcript.

The committee closed the work session after adopting the updated rules.