Bill > HJ42

This joint resolution requests the Legislative Council to conduct a comprehensive interim study on state agency procurement practices in Montana. The study aims to review statutes and administrative rules related to procurement, identify how agencies decide when to seek bids or deviate from standard procedures, and examine procurement contracts from the past 4 years to determine potential deviations from the Montana Procurement Act. The resolution directs the designated committee or staff to develop an accounting of funds paid to vendors selected outside standard procurement processes, evaluate contracts for signs of waste, fraud, or abuse, investigate ways to standardize procurement contract reporting, and create recommendations for preventing future deviations from procurement regulations. The study must include input from appropriate stakeholders, be completed by September 15, 2026, and report its final findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the 70th Legislature. This effort stems from concerns about transparency and the appropriate use of public funds, with the ultimate goal of ensuring fair, economical, and accountable state procurement practices.