SRC-PNG S.B. 874 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 874
76R4129 WP-FBy: Brown
Natural Resources
3/15/1999
As Filed


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 proposed, 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.