Bill > HB2032

This bill, known as the "Higher Education Purchasing Act," allows eligible private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Tennessee to purchase goods and services through the same statewide contracts that public institutions use, which offer significantly discounted pricing. This aims to reduce procurement costs for these private institutions, freeing up more resources for education and student aid, and acknowledges the state's interest in strengthening all higher education institutions. The bill defines an "eligible private institution of higher education" as one that is accredited, located in Tennessee, and authorized to operate by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. It clarifies that participation is voluntary, does not require state funding, and the state is not financially responsible for any purchases made by these private institutions. Furthermore, the bill ensures that this access will not reduce the availability or increase the price of goods and services for public institutions, nor create any state liability, and prohibits vendors from retaliating against private institutions for participating. The Department of General Services and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission will establish a simple enrollment process without charging any fees, and any vendor charging higher prices or refusing to sell to participating private institutions will be considered an unfair trade practice.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB2032&ga=114