BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1900 By: S. Turner 4-3-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND At present, the port commissions in Texas may make routine purchases or contracts, without a formal bid process, for amounts less than $10,000. The statewide association of port commissions anticipates an increase in its significant contracts with historically disadvantaged businesses if the limit is raised to $25,000. Such businesses sometimes have difficulty competing via a formal bid process. PURPOSE To increase the threshold limit triggering formal bid processing for routine purchases and contracts. 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 60.403, Water Code, to increase the limit for routine contracts for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000. SECTION 2. Amends Subsection (a), Section 60.404, Water Code, to increase to $25,000 the amount of purchase or contract for which notice must be published. SECTION 3. Amends Subsection (a) Section 60.406, Water Code, to increase to $25,000 the amount above which competitive bids or proposal procedures are required. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION H.B.1900 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on April 3, 1995. The following person testified in favor of the bill: Ms. Pat Younger, representing Texas Ports Association. The following persons testified against the bill: None (0). The following persons testified on the bill: None (0). The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 pnv, 1 absent.