HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  1225

Title:  An act relating to bids for school district work or purchase.

Brief Description:  Rejecting bids for school district work or purchase.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cairnes, Kenney, Haigh, Campbell, Hurst, Quall, Sullivan and McIntire.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 1, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  By law, school districts are required to use a competitive bidding process to purchase furniture, supplies, equipment, buildings, improvements, repairs, work, or other purchases costing more than $50,000.  The only specific exemption is provided for books.  The law describes the process that districts must follow to purchase these goods and services.

The law also describes the process that districts must follow to purchase goods and services costing between $15,000 and $50,000.

School districts are required to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder.  However, the school board may, by resolution, reject any and all bids and start the process again.

Summary of Bill:  With one exception, when purchasing goods and services through a competitive bidding process, school districts are required to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder.   The exception:  a district may, after review, reject any bid if the board determines that the action is in the best interests of the safety and well-being of the students, the public and school employees.  In addition, the school board may, by resolution, reject any and all bids and may start the process again.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.