Public Act 77-405 is a preferential purchase statute passed by the
Connecticut legislature in 1977. P.A. 77-405 is codified in Section 17b-656
of the Connecticut General Statutes. This section requires that “all
departments, institutions and agencies supported in whole or in part by the
state shall purchase such articles made or manufactured and services
provided by persons with disabilities...political subdivisions may purchase
[such] articles and services."
There are three exceptions to this preference: Section 4-98 allows for
emergency purchases. Sections 18-18, 10-298b, and 10-298c, establish that
preference must be given first to the Department of Corrections or blind
persons under the direction of the Board of Education and Services for the
Blind.
The law requires that the products and services rendered through these
sections must meet the requirements of the purchasing agency. Also, the
products and services should be offered at a fair price.
The Commissioner of Administrative Services regulates the program created
by these sections and is responsible for establishing the fair market price.
The Connecticut Community Providers Association (formerly the Connecticut
Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and referred to as such in the
statutes) administers the program on behalf of the participating
rehabilitation organizations.
