BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 525
By: Lucio (Cuellar, Renato)
05-11-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Current Texas law encourages state agencies to purchase Texas
products if practicable or cost effective.  The agricultural
economy of Texas will improve if Texas schools and universities are
also encouraged to purchase Texas citrus and agriculture products
as long as the cost and quality standards are equal or better.

PURPOSE

If enacted, S.B. 525 requires Texas public schools and universities
to give first preference to purchasing Texas-grown products and
second preference to products offered by Texas bidders.


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 Chapter 51Z, Education Code, by adding Section 
51.940, as follows:

   Sec.  51.940.  PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.  (a) Requires
a higher education institution (institution) that purchases
agricultural products to give first preference to products grown,
produced, or processed in this state if the cost to the institution
and the quality of the products are equal to the cost and quality
of other available products.  (b) Requires an institution to ensure
that bid specifications used by the institution for the purchase of
agricultural products do not preclude or discourage the purchase of
products grown, produced, or processed in this state.  (c) Defines
"institution of higher education."

   SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995.

   SECTION 3. Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.B. 525 was considered by the committee in a formal meeting on May
11, 1995.

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed be sent to the
Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 5
ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 4 absent.