Senator Deeds’ bill to create General Services Board advances after committee presentation

Senator Deeds presented Senate Bill 484 to the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology, saying the measure would establish a General Services Board to oversee the Department of General Services and appoint a department chief administrator.

"This work is just too important to be part be hung up in some kind of partisan battle," Deeds said, arguing the board would provide continuity across administrations for procurement, state real estate, capital construction and other central services. He described the proposed board composition to include executive and legislative appointees and several ex officio agency heads.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about composition and executive oversight. The chair entertained a motion to report and refer the bill to the finance committee for fiscal review and further drafting; the motion carried and the bill will now be considered in finance with the expectation of technical edits and possible amendments.

What happens next: The bill will go to the finance committee for fiscal analysis and additional drafting; sponsors and counsel indicated they will supply clarifying language on appointments and duties as requested.