A number of bills were signed into law at the end of the 94th Legislative Session that amend the Revised School Code. Following is a short synopsis of those bills.
PA 540 of 2008 (HB 5639): PA 540 amends three sections of the Revised School Code addressing competitive bidding. The changes state that, all other things being equal, Michigan-based firms could be given preference when contracts are awarded. Section 623a governs the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment by intermediate school districts; Section 1274 is a similar section, but for local school districts and public school academies. Section 1267 governs the competitive bid process for construction of new school buildings, or the addition to or renovation of existing school buildings.
PA 583 of 2008 (SB 1252): PA 583 amends the Revised School Code to permit the board of a school district, intermediate school district, public school academy, or nonpublic school to use the results of a criminal history check and criminal records check obtained by another district, ISD, PSA, or nonpublic school to confirm that a substitute bus driver did not have any criminal history, if the individual agreed in writing to permit the sharing of that information.
In addition, by July 1, 2008, the board of a school district, ISD, PSA, or nonpublic school must have requested a criminal history check and a criminal records check for each individual who either is a full-time or part-time employee of the district, ISD, PSA, or nonpublic school or is assigned to work regularly and continuously under contract in any of its schools.
PA 343 of 2008 (HB 6365) and PA 344 of 2008 (HB 6366): Both Public Acts 343 and 344 of 2008 modify the competitive bidding threshold for food by amending the Revised School Code to permit a school district, intermediate school district (ISD), or public school academy (PSA) to purchase food without obtaining competitive bids, if the transaction cost less than $100,000. This will increase purchasing flexibility for districts.