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House votes to let school districts post procurement notices online instead of in print
Summary
The House approved HB245 to remove the statutory newspaper‑publication requirement for school construction and alteration notices (for projects $80,000+), allowing districts to publish notices in one of three ways (print, district website, or state purchasing site); the bill passed 70–0 and will go to the Senate.
The Utah House passed House Bill 245 on Feb. 22, 2017, updating procurement notice requirements for school districts. Rep. Katy Hall (presenting) said the current law (dating to 1988) requires districts to publicize construction and alteration projects in a physical newspaper, which she and others said is costly and ineffective in the Internet era. HB245 removes the mandatory paper publication and allows districts three alternatives: (1) continue paper publication; (2) post the notice on the school board’s website; or (3) post on a state website managed by the Division of Purchasing and General Services.
Rep. Michael Cutler spoke in support and said he will file similar language for local budgets and cities. The sponsor waived summation; voting was opened and the bill passed by roll call, 70 yes to 0 no. The measure will be referred to the Senate for its first consideration there.
If enacted, the change would let districts redirect money currently spent on required print notices toward classroom spending or other needs while preserving a paper option.
