Sen. Seth Lewis opposes HB4496, which allows some state lab purchases to bypass standard procurement

Sen. Seth Lewis (R-24th) cast a No vote on HB4496, legislation designed to exempt specified state laboratory purchases from standard procurement procedures, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. The measure cleared the Senate with a 38-19 margin, according to the Illinois Senate.

According to its official outline, the bill is titled "PROCUREMENT-STATE LABS."

The summary below offers a plain-language overview and interpretation of the legislation's key points for clarity.

Essentially, the act seeks to modify the Illinois Procurement Code, granting exemptions for certain purchases needed for state laboratory operations. When existing master contracts and cooperative agreements have been fully utilized, the Department of Public Health, Department of Agriculture, Illinois State Police, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will be permitted to procure goods and services outside the regular Procurement Code requirements if those items are required for laboratory use. The intended effect is to provide these agencies with more agility and efficiency in obtaining necessary supplies, equipment and operational services for state labs.

The Senate registered the action on HB4496 as 'Third Reading - Passed'.

Lewis earned a BS from the University of Iowa in 1991.

A Republican, Lewis won election to the Illinois Senate for the 24th District in 2023, succeeding former senator Suzy Glowiak.

Illinois legislation progresses through a multi-step lawmaking process beginning with introduction in the House or Senate, followed by committee consideration, debate on the chamber floor, approval votes in both legislative bodies and, finally, submission to the governor for signature or veto. The General Assembly convenes biennially, and while thousands of measures are introduced each session, only a select portion ultimately become law.