HB1172

This bill creates a new crime of collusion during government procurement (the process of buying goods and services) and adds it to existing penalties for misconduct by state officers and employees. State workers who knowingly participate in collusion during procurement now face removal from their job, criminal charges as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and any contracts made through collusion can be canceled and benefits forfeited. The bill also clarifies what "administering a contract" means to prevent certain routine tasks from being misused as cover for corrupt dealings.