BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 59
87R2724 DRS-F	By: Zaffirini
	Local Government
	3/9/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Statewide Procurement Division of the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas (comptroller) connects vendors with state purchasers and contract opportunities and helps state and local government entities procure non-IT goods and services through easily accessible contracts that meet their needs. Specifically, the division operates a purchasing program for local governments, whereby the comptroller performs purchasing services, including extending state contract prices, soliciting bids on items, and providing information and technical assistance. This, in turn, spares local governments, especially smaller entities, the need to use taxpayer resources for permanent procurement staff and other expenses.

Such a program has obvious efficiencies, both for resource limited governments and vendors, which operate through a single portal rather than dealing with hundreds of governments. Despite this, however, the comptroller lacks statutory authority to market the program and conduct the sort of public outreach that could expand its use and achieve greater efficiencies.

A recommendation of the comptroller, S.B. 59 would allow the comptroller to market the Statewide Procurement Division's purchasing program in any available media or otherwise promote the program to further its aims.

As proposed, S.B. 59 amends current law relating to the advertising and promotion of a state purchasing program for local governments.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 271.082, Local Government Code, by adding Subsection (d), to authorize the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas to advertise in any available media or otherwise promote the purchasing program to further the purposes of Subchapter D (State Cooperation in Local Purchasing Programs).

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.