SRC-DPW S.B. 1451 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1451 76R3467 JSA-DBy: West Higher Education 3/30/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, certain state agencies are required to report surplus property on the State Property Accounting System for publishing by the General Services Commission (GSC). State agencies, political subdivisions, and school districts are allowed to purchase needed materials and products from state agencies listed in GSC's publication. Institutions of higher education are exempt from the required reporting. It has been cited that some eligible local entities, not knowing of the availability of surplus materials in institutions of higher education, have been unable to acquire the materials and products they need. This bill would set forth guidelines for the disposition of surplus and salvage property of certain institutions of higher education. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1451 sets forth guidelines for the disposition of surplus and salvage property of certain institutions of higher education. 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 2175.125, Government Code, as follows: Sec. 2175.125. New heading: PRIORITIES FOR TRANSFER. Provides that a notice under Section 2175.122 has priority over any other transfer under rules adopted by the General Services Commission (GSC), except as provided by Subsection (b). Requires a state agency that is an institution of higher education and has surplus or salvage property (property), during the 30 days after the date of notice under Section 2175.122, to transfer the property to a requesting entity following a certain order of priority. SECTION 2. Amends Section 2175.302, Government Code, as follows: Sec. 2175.302. New heading: EXCEPTION FOR ELEEMOSYNARY INSTITUTIONS. Deletes text regarding an institution or agency of higher education. SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 2175D, Government Code, by adding Section 2175.1815, as follows: Sec. 2175.1815. EXCEPTION FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. Provides that this subchapter does not apply to an institution of higher education. Requires an institution of higher education to dispose of its property not transferred to another entity under Subchapter C under procedures established by the institution. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 5. Emergency clause.