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.