Sub. H. B. No. 218 Summary

• Establishes a framework authorizing public bodies (state agencies, higher education institutions, counties, townships, municipalities, libraries, school districts, and port authorities) to enter into public-private agreements with private entities for the design, build, financing, operation, and maintenance of public facilities.

• Allows public bodies to solicit proposals through sealed bidding or best-value selection, and to accept unsolicited proposals that meet specified criteria, with evaluation based on factors including cost, qualifications, design feasibility, public benefits, and safety records.

• Permits facility ownership by the public body or private entity through lease agreements of up to 40 years, with facility reversion to public body in good condition upon lease expiration.

• Requires public-private agreements to include maintenance plans, compliance with applicable laws, bond requirements for construction components, termination grounds, and allows optional dispute resolution provisions.

• Provides tax exemptions for facilities and building materials; exempts public-private agreements from competitive bidding requirements; and allows state agencies, counties, townships, municipalities, and public schools to adopt rules or ordinances to implement this chapter.