Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 1066 amends the Government Code to provide a new procurement methodology for the Health and Human Services Commission, health and human services agencies, certain other state agencies, local units of government, and local MHMR authorities. Those entities are delegated authority to procure goods and services by any method approved by the Health and Human Services Commission that provides the best value to the agency. The agency is required to document that it considered certain factors in making the acquisition and is required to notify the state auditor and consult with and receive approval from the Health and Human Services Commission regarding certain purchases. The state auditor is authorized to audit acquisitions before or after a warrant is issued. The commission is required to coordinate procurement practices of all health and human services agencies and is authorized to transfer this function to another appropriate state agency. Similar provisions are made to govern disproportionate share hospitals, and a state or local governmental entity is authorized to allow a public or private hospital to purchase goods or services by participating in contracts undertaken by the entity or through a group purchasing program. A similar provision is made for a state agency, local unit of government, private entity, or MHMR authority that expends funds received by the Texas Department of Health to purchase goods or services through participation in a department contract or a group purchasing program.