School repair bill passed

Senators passed a bill April 7 that gives school districts increased spending authority.

Currently, school districts are not required to initiate a bidding process for construction, remodeling or repairs when the expenditure is estimated to cost less than $40,000. LB431, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Roy Baker, increases the threshold to $100,000.

The state Board of Education will adjust the threshold to account for inflation every five years, based upon the percentage change in the consumer price index.

The bill passed on a 43-0 vote.