(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the general statutes, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may authorize any state agency to enter into agreements with private and nonprofit entities to facilitate the public’s utilization of government services and programs electronically. Any agency seeking authorization to enter into such an agreement shall select entities to participate in such agreements on the basis of competitive bidding or competitive negotiation prior to seeking such authorization. Each such agency shall provide notice of such solicitation for competitive bids or request for proposals in a form and manner that the secretary determines will maximize public participation in the competitive bidding or competitive negotiation process. Under such agreements, the state may allow entities to collect any applicable statutory or regulatory fees owed to the state and to remit such amounts as defined in statute. The agreement also may allow an entity to charge an administrative fee, provided any administrative fee to utilize a government service or program electronically is approved by the Finance Advisory Committee before it is imposed.

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(b) Any such agreement authorized under this section shall comply with the provisions of chapter 14 and shall ensure the public retains the ability to access government services and programs using nonelectronic means. The secretary shall not authorize any agreement that adversely affects the ability of individuals to apply for or receive assistance or benefits from the Department of Social Services.