Report: Christie Demands Revision Of Bidding Laws

Gov. Chris Christie has ordered a complete review of state purchasing laws and the public contracting processes.

The move comes after a recent published report showed one in five multimillion dollar purchases made by governments in New Jersey broke the law.

Christie told The Record that he intends to simplify the rules, leaving less room for errors and therefore less cover for violations. The governor has told the state treasurer to review how the state buys goods and services so officials can find ways to eliminate accidental errors and prevent bid-rigging.

The Record and the Herald News newspapers reported last month that previously confidential figures from the state Comptroller's Office showed errors and illegal provisions in one out of every five contracts worth $2 million or more.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)