AN ACT
 1-1     relating to the general power of the Parks and Wildlife Department
 1-2     to contract.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 11, Parks and Wildlife
 1-5     Code, is amended by adding Section 11.0171 to read as follows:
 1-6           Sec. 11.0171.  AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT.  (a)  Subject to
 1-7     Section 12.0251, for the purpose of carrying out the powers,
 1-8     duties, and responsibilities of the department, the executive
 1-9     director, or the executive director's designee, may negotiate,
1-10     contract, or enter an agreement:
1-11                 (1)  with:
1-12                       (A)  the United States or any of its agencies;
1-13                       (B)  another state or a political subdivision of
1-14     another state or of this state; or
1-15                       (C)  a nonprofit organization for research and
1-16     field work; or
1-17                 (2)  for professional services relating to a project of
1-18     the department, including project management, design, bid, and
1-19     construction administration, consistent with Subchapter A, Chapter
1-20     2254, Government Code.
1-21           (b)  The commission by rule shall adopt policies and
1-22     procedures consistent with applicable state procurement practices
1-23     for soliciting and awarding the contracts under this section.
1-24           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 1999.
 2-1           SECTION 3.  The importance of this legislation and the
 2-2     crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
 2-3     emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
 2-4     constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
 2-5     days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 874 passed the Senate on
         April 8, 1999, by a viva-voce vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 874 passed the House on
         May 26, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House
         Approved:
         _______________________________
                     Date
         _______________________________
                   Governor