2017 Senate Bill 97

Authorize public-private facility agreements between governments and private businesses

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 2, 2017

Introduced by Sen. Mike Kowall (R-15)

To give state and local government agencies the power to enter into joint operating arrangements ("public/private parterships") with a particular business for purposes of building a hospital or transportation facilities.

Referred to the Committee on Commerce

Feb. 16, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Feb. 23, 2017

Passed in the Senate 32 to 4 (details)

To give state and local government agencies the power to enter into joint operating arrangements with a particular business for purposes of building a hospital or transportation facilities. The private operator would benefit from tax exemptions and its governmental partner's power to impose property taxes, borrow, take private property using eminent domain and more. The government agency involved could choose the private sector actor without necessarily having to accept the lowest bid. The projects could be proposals from a private developer.

Received in the House

Feb. 28, 2017

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Nov. 28, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.