Bill > H5435

This bill prohibits state agencies from entering into software licensing contracts that restrict their ability to install or run software on their preferred hardware. The bill defines key terms like "state agencies" (referencing an existing legal definition) and "state software application purchases," which broadly encompasses various types of procurement agreements including contracts, grants, orders, and leases. Specifically, the legislation targets software licensing agreements for applications intended to run on standard desktop or server hardware, ensuring that state agencies have the flexibility to choose their own hardware without being constrained by vendor-imposed limitations. This provision aims to give state agencies more technological autonomy and potentially reduce costs by preventing software vendors from dictating specific hardware requirements. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage, applying to new software procurement contracts for state agencies.

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