SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6263
As of January 26, 2026
Title: An act relating to school district public bid limits.
Brief Description: Updating school district public bid limits.
Sponsors: Senators Muzzall, Wellman, Nobles and Shewmake.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/28/26.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the school district public bid thresholds related to purchasing and building improvements and repairs.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Alex Fairfortune (786-7416)
Background:

Procurement laws address how local governments purchase materials or services, solicit bids, and award contracts.

 

Purchasing. The thresholds for conducting competitive bids for purchases vary based on government type, what is being purchased, and the overall value of the purchase.

 

There are three thresholds that apply to school districts when purchasing furniture, equipment, or supplies:

  • purchases below $40,000 are not subject to any public bidding laws;
  • purchases between $40,000 and $75,000 may be made after receiving quotes from at least three different sources; and
  • purchases above $75,000 must follow an open public bidding process where notice is provided, written bids are collected, and all bids are publicly read and filed.

 

Public Works. The thresholds for conducting competitive bidding for public works projects vary based on government type, the nature of the project, and the project cost.

 

There are two thresholds that apply to school districts when conducting improvements, repairs, or other public works projects:

  • improvements or repairs under $75,000 may be completed through a department within the district; and
  • improvements or repairs that exceed $100,000 must follow an open public bidding process where notice is provided, written bids are collected, and all bids are publicly read and filed.
Summary of Bill:

Purchasing. The three thresholds that apply to school districts when purchasing furniture, equipment, or supplies are increased to the following:

  • purchases below $75,000 are not subject to any public bidding laws, increased from the previous $40,000 limit;
  • purchases between $75,000 and $150,000 may be made after receiving quotes from at least three different sources, increased from the previous $40,000 to $75,000 limit; and
  • purchases above $150,000 must follow an open public bidding process, increased from the previous $75,000 limit.

 

Public Works. Improvements or repairs to the property of a district may be completed through a department within the district if the costs are less than $100,000, increased from the previous $75,000 limit.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2026.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.