Bill > S1550

This bill establishes the Commonwealth Competition Council, a new body within the executive branch tasked with examining and promoting methods to involve the private sector in providing government services, a process referred to as "privatization." The Council will advise the governor and legislature on findings and recommendations, develop a framework to encourage innovation and competition within state government, and create a system to identify opportunities where competition can reduce costs without negatively impacting the public. It will also monitor state agency services to foster competition and innovation, advocate for competitive programs, and establish processes for approval, planning, and reporting. The Council will assess the privatization potential of programs, conduct cost-benefit and performance analyses, and devise evaluation criteria for privatization recommendations, with the Secretary for Administration and Finance independently certifying the results of cost comparisons. The Council will consist of thirteen members, including legislative representatives, executive branch employees, private sector members, and a representative from organized labor, with specific appointment processes and term limits outlined. All state agencies are required to cooperate with and assist the Council in its duties.