Signed by Governor Dan McKee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes criminal penalties for bid rigging in government contracts, and prohibits public officials from interfering with contract bidding in Rhode Island.

Highlights:

• Establishes criminal penalties for bid rigging in government contracts (Sec. 1).

• Defines “bid rigging” as including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• Price fixing;

• Submitting identical bids;

• Rotating bids;

• Sharing profits with a contractor who does not submit the low bid;

• Submitting prearranged bids, agreed-upon higher or lower bids, or other complementary bids;

• Dividing up territories to restrict competition; or

• Not submitting a bid;

• Prohibits public officials from interfering with contract bidding in Rhode Island (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text