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.