BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 792 By: Harris Administration 4-6-95 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 grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. 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.