This bill amends current law regarding the hiring of an owner's project manager (OPM) for school construction or renovation projects that utilize school building aid. It allows schools to hire an OPM before entering into a contract for design services, ensuring that the OPM can represent the school's interests throughout the design process. The bill also increases the threshold for when a school district or chartered public school is required to hire an OPM from $1,250,000 to $2,000,000. Additionally, it mandates that the OPM must have no contractual conflicts of interest with any architects, design team members, or general contractors involved in the project.

The bill modifies the language in RSA 198:15-c, III, by inserting new provisions that outline the responsibilities and qualifications of the OPM, including the requirement for the OPM to maintain comprehensive liability and professional liability insurance. The state board of education is tasked with adopting rules to ensure that the OPM's services align with the best interests of the project owner. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of this bill on local school districts is indeterminable, as it changes the timing of when an OPM must be retained in relation to school building aid applications.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 198:15-c
As Amended by the House: 198:15-c
SB513 text: 198:15-c