SCS/HS/HB 1728 - The act makes several changes concerning the state's purchasing procedures and creates some new programs to be provided by state agencies.

SECTION 105.1225 - This act requires various agencies to develop a technology master plan to study ways to improve services to the public. The technology master plan shall include at least one pilot project which would make the agency's services available through the Internet. Each agency must submit a copy of its technology master plan to the Office of Administration by December 31, 2000.

This act also requires the Office of Administration to implement a system in which the purchasing of supplies can be accomplished by the Internet. The online purchasing system must be available by January 1, 2002. Each state agency shall also make all of its forms available via the Internet and shall accept completed forms from the public via the Internet and by e-mail. Each agency shall also develop an Internet-based flowchart detailing how its services are accessible to the public.

SECTION 144.820 - Missouri shall not tax any products or services sold across the Internet prior to August 28, 2005.

SECTION 161.640 - This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a grant program to provide funds for school districts to purchase computer software designed for the reactive acquisition of vocabulary elements.

SECTION 620.1600 - This act requires the Department of Economic Development to establish a program to provide contract consulting services to minority entrepreneurs by the Internet. This online program must be available by January 1, 2002.

SECTION 30.040 - Requires the State Auditor to annually audit cost-plus contracts to determine if the state is receiving the best price. This section also requires the Commissioner of Administration to adopt rules on distributing potential bids to businesses.

SECTION 34.046 - Expands the ability of the commissioner to participate in cooperative purchasing agreements and purchase supplies from the federal governmental services administration.

SECTION 34.055 - Allows vendors to assess a late payment penalty against the state for supplies and services which the state has not made payment on. After 60 days following the later of the date of delivery of the supplies and services or the date upon which the invoice is approved and processed, the rate of interest on the undisputed balance that remains shall rise by three percentage points.

SECTION 34.070 - This act requires the Division of Purchasing to conduct a lottery whenever there is more than one bid deemed of equal quality.

SECTIONS 34.166 - 34.169 - Requires state agencies to purchase supplies manufactured by the Missouri Bureau of the Blind. The Division of Family Services must make a list of products available to state agencies and school districts. The act requires the commissioner to determine the fair market prices of products manufactured and offered for sale by the bureau. All products offered for sale to state agencies or school districts must meet agency or school district specified standards. School districts are not required to purchase services offered by the blind or other handicapped persons. A purchase waiver may be issued to a state agency if the bureau is unable to supply the products or services needed by the state agency. The act repeals current law requiring state agencies to give a 5-point bidding preference to products produced by the blind.

SECTION 37.020 - Requires the Office of Administration to annually audit minority business participation reports and also conduct an annual public conference to discuss the state minority business enterprise program.

SECTION 575.060 - The act makes knowingly submitting a false report to the state the crime of making a false declaration and increases the penalty for the crime from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor. The Attorney General is given the authority to prosecute the crime of making a false declaration.

SECTION 610.021 - This act also makes the following closed records: financial records, business and marketing plans, and other proprietary information submitted as part of a sealed bid, sealed proposal, or application for certification as a minority or woman-owned business.
STEPHEN WITTE