§ 4-316. Cooperative purchasing

   (a) In general. -- Subject to the initial approval of the Secretary, the appropriate purchasing unit for the following entities may use the services of the Department to purchase materials, supplies, and equipment:

   (1) a county;

   (2) a municipality;

   (3) a governmental unit in the State;

   (4) a public or quasi-public agency that:

      (i) receives State money; and

      (ii) is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

   (5) a private elementary or secondary school that:

      (i) either has been issued a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education or is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools; and

      (ii) is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

   (6) a nonpublic institution of higher education as provided under § 17-106 of the Education Article.

(b) Purchase of religious materials prohibited. -- Notwithstanding subsection (a)(5) and (6) of this section, the Department may not purchase religious materials on behalf of a private elementary or secondary school or a nonpublic institution of higher education.

(c) Construction of section. -- The purchasing authority under this section is in addition to, and not a substitution for, the purchasing power of an entity under another law.

HISTORY: 2013, ch. 119, § 3.