Lawmakers hear proposal to require owner's project manager for school building aid applications

Representative Dan McGuire introduced HB513, requiring that applicants for school building aid engage an owner’s project manager (OPM) at application time for projects that meet the statutory threshold. McGuire told the committee the proposal mirrors an amendment the committee developed previously and reflects a threshold adjustment that was enacted in recent legislation.

He reviewed the bill’s history: a similar measure (Senate Bill 209) was amended in committee last year, the committee approved an amendment changing a dollar threshold, and the language in current law reflects that committee work. McGuire said HB513 would return the sponsor’s earlier intent to require an OPM at the application stage to protect districts through pre‑project planning and oversight.

There was no public testimony in favor or opposition during the hearing; the committee had no additional speakers signed up to testify. The chair closed the hearing on SB513 with no formal vote recorded.

What’s next: The committee may place the bill for a work session or referral; staff indicated the existing statutory text and last year’s amendment history will be considered during any deliberations.