Sec. 23. (a) As used in this section, "supplies" has the meaning set forth in IC 5-22-2-38.

(b) The commissioner shall establish a central warehouse.

(c) Whenever the commissioner considers it advantageous to purchase supplies for use by state agencies for industries or for general operating purposes, the commissioner may do so and store the supplies in the state warehouse. The cost of purchasing the supplies and the expense incident to storing them shall be paid in the first instance from the warehousing and stationery revolving fund established by subsection (f).

(d) The commissioner shall keep all state agencies informed of the supplies available in the warehouse.

(e) The same procedure for requesting supplies from the warehouse shall be followed as in requesting a purchase of the supplies except that the request shall specify that the supplies shall be drawn from the warehouse. The commissioner shall invoice to each state agency, and file a claim for reimbursement for any supplies furnished. The commissioner shall add to the actual cost an amount sufficient to pay for all warehouse and handling charges. The commissioner may not charge an amount in excess of the actual cost and expense so as to show a profit in operating the warehouse.

(f) The warehousing and stationery revolving fund is established. The fund may not exceed six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000). The fund must be used for the following:

(1) Establishing a central warehouse.

(2) Purchasing supplies when, in the commissioner's opinion, it is advantageous or essential to the proper and economical operation of state government.

As added by P.L.49-1997, SEC.7.