§ 16-60-7.3. Statewide purchasing system and programs. (a) The department of elementary and secondary education, together with the department of administration, is authorized to develop and implement a voluntary statewide purchasing system for all public schools in this state, including regional school districts. Said system may be utilized for the purchase of all goods, supplies and services to support and enhance public school operations under a statewide contract, and shall include, but not be limited to, the following goods, supplies and services:

(1) General school supplies such as paper goods, office supplies, textbooks and cleaning products that are or may be utilized by school departments;

(2) Telecommunications, wireless services, computer equipment, hardware and software that have been identified by local school departments as needed to support curriculum objectives;

(3) General non-medical and dental insurance products and services; provided however, that the statewide purchasing system shall permit districts to establish their own benefit and coverage levels.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or public law to the contrary, including the provisions of chapter 2 of title 37, the department of elementary and secondary education and local and regional school districts are authorized to participate in purchasing collaboratives, consisting of two (2) or more states. Said participation shall be subject to prior approval of the chief purchasing officer and rules and regulations promulgated by the department.

History of Section. (P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 13, § 5.)