New rules seeking to tighten oversight on Idaho's multi-million dollar contracts have yet to be approved by state lawmakers but officials have already set up an opt-out process to exempt agencies from the increased scrutiny.
The new guidelines were developed after multiple scandals plagued Idaho's most expensive contracts for years.
The Department of Administration adopted the rules earlier this year but they still need approval from the Idaho Legislature. They include adding third party monitoring and creating an oversight board for each high-dollar contract.
However, the department has already posted an exemption process on its website that would allow agencies or individuals bypass some or all of the new rules.
Department officials have not returned multiple calls and emails over the past three weeks from The Associated Press seeking comment.
