Senate OKs bill barring officials’ relatives from government contracts

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a measure that would bar relatives of public officials and personnel from participating in government contracts. These are relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity. The proposed Government Contracting and Procurement Integrity Act aims to curb nepotism and corruption in public procurement. Fifteen senators voted in favor of the bill. There was no negative vote or abstention.