SRC-ARR H.B. 2960 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2960 76R11929 JSA-FBy: Jones, Delwin (Armbrister) Natural Resources 5/10/1999 Engrossed DIGEST In 1992, the Texas Legislature authorized institutions of higher education to enter into contracts for energy conservation measures in order to reduce consumption and operating costs at higher education facilities. H.B. 2960 would set forth requirements for the evaluation of proposals for contracts by institutions of higher education for energy conservation measures. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2960 sets forth requirements for the evaluation of proposals for contracts by institutions of higher education for energy conservation measures. 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 51.927(h), Education Code, to require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with the State Energy Conservation Office (office) and the Texas Energy Coordination Council (council) with regard to energy conservation measures, to establish guidelines and an approval process for contracts awarded under this section. Requires the guidelines to require that the cost savings projected by an offeror be reviewed by a licensed professional engineer who is not an officer or employee of an offeror for the contract under review or otherwise associated with the contract. Provides that a contract is not required to be reviewed or approved by the office or the council. Deletes text requiring the office and the council to review the selected proposal before a contract is awarded. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.