Massachusetts lawmakers want to tighten university construction rules

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are seeking to strip the University of Massachusetts Building Authority of some of its exemptions from the state's bidding laws, asserting that campus construction should be subject to the same regulations as other public projects. University officials say losing the exemptions would make campus construction projects slower and more expensive. The proposal would limit the authority's ability to sidestep some bidding requirements. University administrators say the change would undercut an efficient system that has built many residence halls and academic buildings on time and within budget.