HI SB229

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

Rules must align with federal guidance on geographic preference established in the April 22, 2011 federal rule (76 Federal Register 22603)

Mandates the department post procurement policies, all solicitations, and awarded contracts on its website for transparency

Requires procurement evaluation to consider quality, delivery, best value, sustainability, nutritional value, and past performance when determining the most advantageous proposal

Prohibits geographic preference from superseding the competitive bidding process and bans cost-plus-percentage-of-cost pricing in contracts

Effective date: July 1, 2025