SRC-JJJ H.B. 2122 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2122 76R5680 MXM-FBy: Kuempel (Wentworth) Intergovernmental Relations 4/21/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, counties with populations greater than 125,000 require competitive bids on expenditures of more than $25,000 that deal with emergency services districts, providing exceptions for emergency services. However, counties with a population of less than 125,000 must solicit bids on expenditures of more than $15,000, without exceptions for emergency services. H.B. 2122 would establish competitive bid requirements for certain emergency services districts. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2122 establishes competitive bid requirements for certain emergency districts. 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 776.074, Health and Safety Code, as follows: Sec. 776.074. New heading: COMPETITIVE BIDS. Requires the board of emergency commissioners (board) to submit to competitive bids an expenditure of more than $25,000, rather than $15,00, for certain services, with exceptions. Requires the board to request bids on items to be purchased or leased or services to be performed. Requires the board to notify certain entities with written notice by mail of the intended purchase. Requires the advertisement, if the board decides to advertise for bids, to be published in accordance with Section 262.025(a), Local Government Code. Sets forth conditions for written notification to bidders. Sets forth requirements for the advertisement or notice for competitive bidding. Prohibits the board from preparing restrictive bid specifications. Provides that this section applies to an expenditure of district tax revenues by any party or entity for the purchase of services, vehicles, equipment, or goods. Provides that Subsection (i) does not prohibit the board from soliciting competitive bids for any item, service, or contract listed in that section. Requires a contract for a public works project to be administered in accordance with Chapter 271B, Local Government Code, except as provided by this section. Deletes text regarding purchase or lease; notification of and for bidders; requiring a contract to be awarded to the lowest bidder; and a volunteer fire department. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.