HI HB250

Requires the Department of Education to adopt rules incorporating geographic preference for unprocessed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products in procurement for public school food programs.

Rules must align with federal guidance on geographic preference per the April 22, 2011 final rule (76 Federal Register 22603, et seq.).

Mandates department rules include timely procurement procedures, website posting of policies and all food-related contracts, prohibition of cost-plus pricing, consideration of quality and sustainability factors, and dispute resolution processes.

Requires all procurement contracts to include a defined period of performance.

Geographic preference provisions cannot supersede competitive bidding requirements; effective July 1, 3000.