BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 59

By: Zaffirini

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The comptroller of public accounts operates a purchasing program for local governments whereby the comptroller performs purchasing services for local governmental entities, including by extending state contract prices, soliciting bids on items, and providing information and technical assistance. This, in turn, spares local governments the need to use taxpayer resources for permanent procurement staff and other related expenses. The program has obvious efficiencies, both for resource-limited governments and vendors, which operate through a single portal rather than dealing with hundreds of governments individually. However, the comptroller currently lacks statutory authority to market the program and conduct the sort of public outreach that could expand its use and achieve greater efficiencies for those the program serves. S.B. 59 seeks to remedy this issue and allow the comptroller to market the purchasing program in any available media or otherwise promote the program to further its aims.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 59 amends the Local Government Code to authorize the comptroller of public accounts to advertise in any available media or otherwise promote the state purchasing program for local governments to further the purposes of state cooperation in local purchasing programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.