SRC-PNG S.B. 874 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 874 By: Brown Natural Resources 6/24/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, under Texas law, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is granted some specific authority to contract with federal agencies, but it is not granted a general authority to contract with governmental entities or nonprofit organizations. This bill provides TPWD with the authority to contract with federal agencies, other states and nonprofit entities to accomplish the duties and responsibilities of TPWD and to enter into contracts for certain professional services, and grants rulemaking authority to the General Services Commission to establish rules governing contracting. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 874 provides the general power of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to contract. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the General Services Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 11.0171(b), Parks and Wildlife Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 11B, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 11.0171, as follows: Sec. 11.0171. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. Authorizes the executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), or the executive director's designee to negotiate, contract, or enter an agreement with certain governmental entities or nonprofit organizations for the purpose of carrying out the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the TPWD or for certain professional services. Requires the General Services Commission, by rule, to adopt policies and procedures consistent with applicable state procurement practices for soliciting and awarding contracts under this section. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.