Committee approves procurement accountability bill after brief debate

Representative Eaves introduced House Bill 3310 as the Government Accountability and Budget Transparency Act, saying it "strengthens procurement accountability, improves oversight, encourages efficiency, promotes fiscal responsibility, and it supports effective state purchasing." He moved the bill for adoption and yielded to questions.

Representative Puckmuller asked how widespread delayed payments to private contractors are; Eaves replied he had received a constituent complaint after the prior session and argued "one case is one too many," stressing the legislature's duty to ensure private contractors are paid in a timely manner.

A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded. The chair opened the vote and later declared the bill passed, stating "8 ayes." The committee recorded the passage and the sponsor thanked the chair and the committee.

The bill will be reported out of committee for the next legislative steps.