Relating to a preference by the state to purchase products and services of the blind.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

     Section 1. 1. In making purchases for this state, its governmental agencies or political subdivisions, the commissioner of administration shall give a bidding preference consisting of a five-point bonus on bids for products and services manufactured, produced or assembled in qualified nonprofit organizations for the blind established pursuant to the provisions of 41 U.S.C. sections 46 to 48c, as amended and in sheltered workshops holding a certificate of approval from the department of elementary and secondary education pursuant to section 178.920, RSMo.

     2. The commissioner of administration shall make such rules and regulations regarding specifications, quality standards, time of delivery, performance and other relevant matters as shall be necessary to carry out the purpose of this section. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated pursuant to the authority of this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024, RSMo.

     3. At the request of the commissioner of administration, the state auditor may examine all records, books and data of any qualified nonprofit organization for the blind to determine the costs of manufacturing products or rendering services and the manner and efficiency of production and administration of such nonprofit organization with relation to any product or services purchased by this state, its governmental agencies or political subdivisions and to furnish the results of such examination to the commissioner for appropriate action.