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Senate Bill 1793 |
Senate Author: Zaffirini |
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Effective: Vetoed |
House Sponsor: Longoria |
Senate Bill 1793 amends the State Purchasing and General Services Act, Government Code, to require the comptroller of public accounts to notify a state agency purchasing a good or service through a contract listed on a multiple award contract schedule of the percentage used to calculate the rebate. The bill, among other provisions, authorizes an officer or employee of a local workforce development board who is engaged in official board business or an officer or employee of a governmental entity who is engaged in official business of the governmental entity to participate in the comptroller's contract for travel services. The bill exempts an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Texas and who has not been disciplined by the State Bar of Texas for a violation of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct from the required nepotism disclosure before a state agency may award a major contract for the purchase of goods or services to a business entity.
Governor's Reason for Veto: "Senate Bill 1793 would have given government lawyers a pass on filling out a nepotism disclosure form prescribed by the State Auditor's Office. For procurement contracts worth at least $1 million, this form compels agency employees to disclose relationships with, and direct or indirect pecuniary interests in, any party to the proposed contract with the state agency. Uncovering such ties to a potential vendor is important even if the procurement employee happens to be a member in good standing of the Texas Bar. Government lawyers should fill out the same nepotism disclosure form as everyone else at the agency."