SRC-JFA H.B. 3576 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3576
By: Stiles (Armbrister)
State Affairs
5-16-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, a number of state agencies are subject to statutory
requirements that specifically require the use of certified, registered or
return receipt requested mail service.  Such requirements preclude the use
of other special services that can provide similar service levels at lower
cost.  Current statutes also effectively prohibit the use of U.S. Postal
Service approved address update services.  This bill would authorize state
agencies to use any form of mailing service available from the U.S. Postal
Service or any change of address service approved by the U.S. Postal
Service as long as it does not cost more or reduce the quality of service.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3576 authorizes state agencies to use any form of
mailing service available from the U.S. Postal Service or any change of
address service approved by the U.S. Postal Service as long as it does not
cost more or reduce the quality of service.   

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 2176, Government Code, by adding Subchapter E,
as follows: 

SUBCHAPTER E.  SPECIAL MAIL SERVICES

Sec. 2176.201.  USE OF CERTAIN MAIL SERVICES.  Authorizes a state agency,
notwithstanding another law that requires the use of certain mail
services, to use any form of mail service available from the U.S. Postal
Service to lower postal costs whenever acceptable levels of
accountability, timeliness, security, and quality of service can be
maintained.   

Sec. 2176.202.  CHANGE OF ADDRESS SERVICE.  Authorizes a state agency,
notwithstanding another law regarding change of address updates, to use
any change of address update service approved by the U.S. Postal Service
for the purpose of receiving a postal discount rate.   

Sec. 2176.203.  NOTIFICATION OF SERVICE OPTIONS.  Requires the General
Services Commission (commission) to provide information to state agencies
about special mail services offered by the U.S. Postal Service.  Requires
the commission to assist a state agency in determining which service to
use, considering the state agency's needs for accountability, timeliness,
security, and quality of service.   

SECTION 2. (a)  Effective date:  Immediately, except as provided by
Subsection (b).  

(b)  Effective date for Section 2176.201, Government Code, as added by
this Act:  July 1, 1997.   

(c)  Effective date for Section 2176.203, Government Code, as added by
this Act:  September  1, 1997.   

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.