18-5-416. Vending machines. The department may, except on state property, directly or through contractual arrangements, operate a facility consisting solely of vending machines if it has determined that operation by a blind vendor would be inappropriate. The department shall not directly operate vending machines on any state property where the department does not directly operate vending machines on October 1, 1981, unless, after competitive bid, the department is unable to obtain a suitable private contractor to operate vending machines on the state property. The department shall not, except through competitive bid, authorize a blind vendor to operate on state property a vending facility which consists solely or primarily of vending machines and which does not require the active presence of a vendor during its hours of operation.