BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        H.B. 1475
                                           By: Craddick (Sponsor)
                                      Intergovernmental Relations
                                                          4-20-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Counties with a population greater than 125,000 are authorized to
appoint a purchasing agent.  Brazos, Midland, Taylor, and Wichita
counties are among the counties that would save money if the
population number were lowered to 100,000 people.  Midland County,
for example, may save $200,000 per year by bulk purchasing supplies
and equipment.  In order to achieve these savings, a centralized
purchasing procedure is needed.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1475 authorizes the commissioners court to employ
a county purchasing agent in a county with a population of more
than 100,000.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 262.0115, Local Government Code, as
follows:

     Sec. 262.0115.  New heading:  PURCHASING AGENTS IN COUNTIES
     WITH POPULATION OF MORE THAN 100,000.  Authorizes the
     commissioners court to employ a person to act as county
     purchasing agent in a county with a population of more than
     100,000, rather than 125,000.
SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.