Relates to an OGS tracking database for food procured by agencies

Title of bill

An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to an office of general services tracking database for food procured by agencies

Purpose

This bill improves upon data collection of in-state agricultural good purchases by including a review of the technologies used by state agencies to track such data within an existing annual report. The Office of General Services is also directed to share their findings and data collection methods with local governments and encourage local reporting for analysis and development of best practices.

Summary of provisions

Section one includes an assessment of data systems and technologies used in tracking state agency in-state food purchases within the Office of General Service's annual report on local food procurement.

Section two directs the Office of General Services and the Department of Agriculture and Markets to advise and assist local governments on data collection methods and encourage the voluntary reporting of in-state food purchase data to the Office of General Services for analysis and development of best practices.

Section three establishes the effective date.

Justification

As state policies endeavor to leverage purchasing power to support the local agricultural economy, taking an accurate inventory of the State's ongoing local food procurement has never proved more vital. Strengthening tracking and reporting systems at government agencies can help ensure that more flexible procurement tools result in increased purchases of in-state agricultural goods. Similarly, the State can leverage its developing expertise in tracking such data to further increase local food procurement by sharing knowledge and resources with local government buyers.

Fiscal implications

None to the state

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.