HCS HB 1828 -- BID REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT PROJECTS

SPONSOR:  Franklin (Cunningham)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Education-
Elementary and Secondary by a vote of 22 to 0.

Current law requires school districts to publish advertisements
for bids on construction projects of more than $12,500 for two
successive weeks in a local general circulation newspaper.  This
substitute raises the threshold to $25,000, changes the
advertising requirements to two days in two successive weeks, and
permits publication in business or trade newspapers.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that school districts spend a
significant amount of money advertising bids.  In an era of tight
budgets, keeping the public notice requirement while making the
advertising requirements and limits more in keeping with modern
business methods would help school budgets.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Cunningham and
Hilgemann; and Missouri School Board Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that public notice
requirements are vital to keeping citizens informed about how
their money is being spent.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri Press Association.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:02 am