FOREST PRESERVE DIST-CONTRACTS

Amends the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act. Provides that all contracts for supplies, material, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $15,000 (instead of $10,000) must be let to the lowest possible bidder after notice has been published. Provides that contracts: (a) for work requiring personal confidence; (b) for work by individuals possessing a high degree of professional skill; (c) for utility service; (d) for services or supplies that require integration with existing systems or existing computer hardware and software; (e) for the purchase of magazines, books, and periodicals; (f) that by their nature are not adapted to award by competitive bidding; (g) for replacement parts or service of existing equipment that are made with the manufacturer or authorized service agent for that equipment; and (h) contracts required to meet an immediate emergency affecting the public health, safety, or welfare (instead of contracts for work requiring personal confidence or necessary supplies under the control of monopolies, where competitive bidding is impossible) need not be let by competitive bidding. Effective immediately.