OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2009) – Legislation overwhelmingly passed by the House today would provide increased oversight of state purchasing and improved online access to government services, which if signed into law could lead to millions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer.

House Bill 1032, the Oklahoma State Government Modernization Act of 2009, is a keystone in the House Republican effort to streamline government.

The bill continues efforts to increase transparency of state government and improve efficiency by providing more oversight of state purchasing.

All purchases made with state purchasing cards, or P-cards, will have to be reported to the Office of State Finance under the bill, which will then post those transaction details online.

The legislation also amends the state Central Purchasing Act to allow DCS personnel to make better use of state spending patterns to negotiate the best possible terms and prices for the state. The change will also give state buyers more time for ongoing vendor performance monitoring to ensure quality.

"If the Department of Central Services is given the freedom to focus on larger state contracts where the most money is spent, they will be able to fight for efficiencies to ensure the taxpayer dollars are going as far as possible," said Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie and author of the bill.

The bill also authorizes DCS`s state purchasing director to renegotiate existing contrasts in an attempt to get better rates for the state. An annual report documenting savings realized by each agency will also be required by the legislation.

The changes in HB 1032 will shift the focus of DCS from an agency that primarily processes purchases to one that applies more strategy in managing the state`s purchasing.

"As legislators, the taxpayers expect us to be good stewards of their hard-earned dollars, especially in a down revenue year," said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. "This bill will go a long way toward making sure every tax dollar is spent as efficiently as possible while maintaining the quality services Oklahomans expect."

A report conducted by IBM in 2007 showed Oklahoma could realize as much as $70 million in savings if purchasing best practices were put in place. A second report conducted recently by a company on contract with DCS found similar savings potential.

The bill also seeks to make government more accessible by requiring state entities to provide the public with the option of renewing or applying for permits and licenses online.

Each entity is required by the bill to provide an annual report detailing the number of applications processed online and any savings realized as a result.

The legislation passed the House with a vote of 85-13 and will now return to the Senate for final consideration.

For accompanying video, go to http://www.okhouse.tv/ViewVideo.aspx?VideoID=156