2013 House Bill 4549

Ban government competition with private enterprises (“yellow pages test”)

Introduced in the House

April 16, 2013

Introduced by Rep. Greg MacMaster (R-105)

To prohibit government agencies from competing against private enterprises, or subsidizing any charitable or nonprofit institution using government support to do this. Activities normally provided by government would be exempted, including public schools, "essential services" and "necessary services" as defined in the bill. "Vital services," including things like food stores, drugstores, child care, elder care, and telecommunications services could only be provided if there were no private sector alternatives. Privatization of essential and necessary services would be explicitly allowed. A private enterprise could sue to obtain an injunction forcing the government competitor to stop, and to seek compensatory damages. Governments already providing commercial goods or services would be grandfathered, but could not expand.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight