IMF S.B. 996 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


STATE AFFAIRS
S.B. 996
By: Harris
5-2-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, Texas law allows the General Services Commission (GSC) to
donate surplus and salvage equipment to various nonprofit organizations,
including schools.  However, GSC has no jurisdiction over legislative
equipment.  During the recent interim, the Senate Administration Committee
recommended that the Legislative Council be given the authority to donate
to public schools surplus and salvage legislative computer equipment.
Because of the pace of technological changes, equipment with substantial
useful life and educational value decreases in value when withdrawn from
daily legislative use.  Requests and inquiries from public schools have
shown that the used equipment is useful to schools for teaching computer
skills.  S.B. 996 would allow for the donation of used computer equipment
to public schools in order to support technology education. 
   
PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 996 outlines provisions regarding the donation of
certain surplus or salvage state 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 Section 2175.301, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(c), to require an agency in the legislative branch to dispose of its
surplus or salvage property under a disposition system established by the
agency.  Provides that this chapter does not apply to the agency's
disposition of its surplus or salvage property under that system.
Requires that system to give preference to transferring the property
directly to a public school, another public governmental agency, or an
assistance organization, in order of priority. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.  Effective date:  upon passage.