SRC-HRD H.B. 527 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 527 By: Pitts (Nelson) Finance 4-23-97 Engrossed DIGEST When the superconducting super collider project was cancelled by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Energy titled parcels of land to various political subdivisions. The actual lab site was given to Ellis County in lieu of cash reimbursements. In order to liquidate such a limited use facility, the Ellis County commissioners court has requested that, in respect to dealing with super collider property owned by Ellis County, the commissioners court be allowed to determine the method of disposal. This would allow flexibility in negotiation. This bill would allow property formerly used in conjunction with the super collider to be waived from the requirements of the Local Government Code bidding process or public auction established for disposal of property. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 527 allows property formerly used in conjunction with the superconducting super collider to be waived from the Local Government Code bidding process or public auction established for disposal of property. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 270, Local Government Code, by adding Section 270.008, as follows: Sec. 270.008. DISPOSAL OF SUPER COLLIDER PROPERTY. Authorizes the county, if the United States Department of Energy returns or gives to any county any property that was used or was to be used in connection with or by a superconducting super collider highenergy research facility, to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the property by a method determined by the commissioners court of the county. Provides that a commissioners court disposing of property under this section is not required to comply with any provision of this title, including Sections 263.001 and 272.001, requiring a public auction or bidding process for the disposal of property. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.