Bill would make state contractors and grant applicants disclose gifts and donations to the Governor

A new section of state law would require contractors and bidders to disclose gifts and donations to the Governor and linked groups. It covers companies with a current state contract with any state agency or that respond to a request for proposals, and their officers, directors, and family members. Disclosure covers the five preceding years. Covered recipients are the Governor, any entity the Governor or an agent established, financed, maintained, or controlled (such as a campaign committee, joint fundraising committee, or inaugural fund), and any entity that advocates for the Governor's election or an opponent's defeat, including a political committee or nonprofit making independent expenditures. The rule applies "notwithstanding any other law."

A second new section would require grant applicants to disclose the same kind of gifts and donations. It covers companies that apply for a grant, and their officers, directors, and family members. Disclosure covers the five preceding years and the same list of recipients as for contractors.

The act amends section 41-2550 to bar destroying evaluation notes and to allow related contracts to be resolicited. It covers state agencies and state employees who evaluate companies that respond to a request for proposals, and contracts tied to the destroyed notes. Only contracts agreed to from and after the effective date of the amendment may be resolicited. Resolicitation is something that "may" happen, not a requirement.