Bill > HB113

This bill expands and strengthens Georgia's restrictions on state government purchasing goods from foreign countries deemed to pose security risks. The legislation introduces new definitions for "foreign companies of concern" and "foreign countries of concern," which are entities or nations identified as potential security threats by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Under the bill, the Georgia Technology Authority will maintain a list of "concerned goods" - products, services, and technologies produced by these foreign entities - and the state is prohibited from purchasing such goods directly or through third-party vendors. If a foreign company or vendor sells concerned goods to the state, they will face significant penalties, including a civil penalty of either $250,000 or triple the purchase value, contract termination, and potential future contract ineligibility. The bill also repeals previous legislation specifically targeting companies from Russia, Belarus, and China, and expands the Georgia Technology Authority's powers to evaluate security risks associated with technology-related purchases. This legislation aims to protect the state's technological and economic interests by preventing procurement from potentially hostile or risky foreign entities.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69466