PROCUREMENT: Establishes priorities and requirements for purchases by the state and participating local governments from certain providers including prison enterprises and nonprofits assisting persons with disabilities. (EG NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 773 requires Louisiana state agencies and local governments to prioritize purchasing goods and services from prison enterprises (like prison-manufactured products) and nonprofits assisting people with disabilities, when prices are competitive with standard procurement. It sets specific pricing rules: prison-made items must cost no more than the lowest cooperative purchasing price, while disability nonprofit services must match quality and pricing of alternatives. The bill exempts these purchases from standard competitive bidding requirements and establishes a council within the Department of Health to coordinate these programs. This directly affects state/local buyers, prison industries, and disability-focused nonprofits by creating new procurement pathways.