To amend section 25 of article IV of the constitution; Relating to: state contracts for stationery and printing (first consideration).
Summary
AJR146 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how Wisconsin awards state contracts for stationery and printing. Under current law, these contracts generally must go to the lowest bidder regardless of location. The resolution would instead require the state to award such contracts to the lowest bidder operating in Wisconsin, if one exists, unless federal law, a treaty, or another international agreement prevents that result.
The proposal would amend section 25 of article IV of the Wisconsin Constitution, which means it would not take effect immediately even if approved. A constitutional amendment must pass two successive legislatures and then be ratified by the voters before becoming effective. The resolution also preserves the existing prohibition on legislators and state officers having a direct or indirect interest in these contracts.
Impact
If adopted, the amendment would alter the constitutional rule governing state stationery and printing procurement by adding a Wisconsin-location preference to the lowest-bidder requirement. It would affect state purchasing practices, vendors bidding on printing and stationery contracts, and the legal standards used to evaluate bids. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would supersede ordinary statutes on this subject and could require implementing legislation or procurement rule changes to align state contracting with the new in-state bidder preference.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded vote debate, so there is little direct evidence of discussion. The bill was introduced and referred to committee, but it ultimately failed to adopt pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. That outcome suggests the proposal did not secure the necessary legislative support, even though the text itself reflects a straightforward pro-Wisconsin procurement preference.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the tension between favoring Wisconsin-based businesses and preserving open, lowest-cost competition for state contracts. Supporters would likely view the amendment as a way to keep public contracting dollars in-state and support local industry, while opponents could argue it restricts competition, may increase costs, and could raise concerns about compatibility with federal law or interstate commerce principles. The bill also explicitly carves out exceptions for federal law and international agreements, indicating awareness of potential legal limits on a state-only preference.
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