BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 1475
By: Craddick
March 20, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently under Section 262.0115, Local Government Code, counties
with a population of 125,000 or more may appoint a purchasing
agent.  Brazos, Midland, Taylor, and Wichita Counties, among a few,
could save money if the number could be lowered to 100,000 people. 
Midland County, for example, could save $200,000 per year by bulk
purchasing supplies and equipment.  In order to achieve these
savings, a centralized purchasing procedure will be needed,
necessitating the appointment of a county purchasing agent.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this legislation is to allow counties with a
population of 100,000 or more to hire county purchasing agents.

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.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1:  Amends Section 262.0115, Local Government Code by
changing the number of residents required in a county to hire a
purchasing agent from 125,000 to 100,000.

SECTION 2: Emergency clause


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 1475 was considered by the Committee on County Affairs in a
public hearing on 3/15/95. Representative Craddick opened.
Representative Craddick closed. HB 1475 was reported favorably
without amendment with the recommendation that it pass and be
printed and be sent to Local and Consent Calendars, by the record
vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 1 absent.