BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 1344
By: Gallegos (Raymond)
05-16-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Until recently, the General Services Commission exempted from the
reach of its authority any purchases of supplies, materials,
services or equipment for the conduct of any litigation brought or
defended by the attorney general that could be taxed as costs in
such litigation.  However, the commission is claiming that such
purchases fall within the commission's authority, and cite, in
support of its position, the fact that no exemption to its
authority is set forth in Section 3.02, Article 601b, V.T.C.S.

PURPOSE

S.B. 1344 provides that the General Services Commission's authority
does not extend to purchases of materials for the conduct of any
suit, action, or proceeding brought or defended by the office of
the attorney general.

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 3.02, Article 601b, V.T.C.S., to provide
the General Services Commission's authority does not extend to
purchases of supplies, materials, services, or equipment for the
conduct of any suit, action, or proceeding brought or defended by
the office of the attorney general, when such entities may be taxed
as costs in such a suit, action, or proceeding, among other limits
to the commission's authority.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

SB 1344 was considered in public hearing on May 8, 1995.  The chair
laid out the bill and recognized Rep. Raymond to explain the bill. 
The following person provided neutral testimony on the bill: Jerry
L. Benedict representing the Office of the Attorney General. The
bill was reported favorably without amendment with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed by a record vote of
12 aye, 0 nay, 0 PNV, and 3 absent.