Bill > S1937

This bill requires State departments to conduct a "cost analysis," which is a detailed breakdown of expenses including labor, benefits, equipment, administrative costs, and potential unemployment compensation for displaced workers, before contracting out work valued over $100,000 that is typically done by State employees. This analysis must also include a "resource analysis," an assessment of the department's finances and personnel, and an evaluation of the State's ability to take back the contracted service if it's no longer in the public's best interest. The bill generally prohibits contracting out work that would reduce the workload of State employees unless the cost analysis shows substantial savings and these savings aren't outweighed by the public's interest in having the State perform the function directly. There are specific restrictions on contracting with individuals who recently worked for the department, and provisions for pilot projects for new types of contracted work. The cost analysis must be filed with the Office of Management and Budget and made public, with copies sent to legislative committees and affected union representatives, who have a period to respond before a contract can be finalized, though exceptions exist if the department lacks the necessary resources or expertise to perform the work itself.