Relates to campaign contributions by certain vendors

S 8246 restricts vendors seeking state procurement contracts from making campaign contributions to statewide elected officials or candidates during a defined "restricted period." This period begins when a vendor first lobbies for a contract, advertises a procurement opportunity, or engages in a non-competitive contract, and ends six months after the contract is awarded. Vendors must certify in their procurement contracts that they made no such contributions during this time, and contracts cannot be awarded if this certification is missing or false. Violations may lead to vendors being deemed "non-responsible" for contract awards, unless the contract is deemed essential for public health, safety, or property.