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.