BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 792 By: Harris (Goodman) 4-19-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Current law requires the Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA), a conservation and reclamation district, to engage in competitive bidding on construction contracts and contracts for the purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies requiring an expenditure of more than $5,000. In 1994, the cost of notices to bidders advertised in local newspapers cost TRA $23,002.28. TRA's costs would be reduced by approximately 80 percent if TRA were authorized to award such contracts under the requirements of general law rather than specific bidding procedures. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 792 subjects certain contracts of the Trinity River Authority to the requirements of general law. 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 13, Article 8280-188, V.T.C.S., as follows: Sec. 13. Provides that any construction contract or contract for the purchase of material, equipment, or supplies is subject to the requirements of general law rather than specific bidding procedures. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1995. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION S.B.792 was considered by the committee in a formal meeting on April 19, 1995. No testimony was received. The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, 1 absent.