SRC-JBJ S.B. 1672 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1672
By: Bernsen
Infrastructure
4/22/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) receives bids for
contracts that are awarded by the Texas Transportation Commission
(commission).  TxDOT and the commission must follow procedures outlined in
Chapter 223, Transportation Code, awarding the contracts.  Some of the
language in the code is ambiguous and needs clarification, particularly in
reference to bids submitted electronically. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1672 amends certain procedures in awarding a state
highway improvement contract. 

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 Chapter 223A, Transportation Code, by adding Section
223.0041, as follows: 

Sec. 223.0041.  AWARD OF CONTRACTS.  Requires certain bids received by the
Texas Department of Transportation to be tabulated and forwarded to the
Texas Transportation Commission (commission) who may accept or reject the
bids, but must award the contract to the lowest bidder, subject to Section
223.045. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 223.005, Transportation Code, to delete
procedures for obtaining and rewarding certain bids.  Makes conforming
changes. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 223.013(c), Transportation Code, to provide that
certain bids under this subchapter do not need to be opened at a public
hearing if the bid is submitted electronically.  Deletes reference to
Section 223.004(a) and a hearing by the commission in opening the bid. 

SECTION 4.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.