SRC-SEW H.B. 1831 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1831 77R12255 EBy: Pickett (Harris) State Affairs 5/10/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Various state agencies have the authority to enter into a contract with an outside entity to assist the agency in performing its duties and functions. Several statutes provide the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the authority to contract in specific circumstances. H.B. 1831 authorizes TxDOT to contract with any public or private entity to carry out its responsibilities, powers, and duties and requires TxDOT by rule to adopt policies and procedures consistent with applicable state procurement practices for soliciting and awarding the contracts under its authority. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Transportation in SECTION 1 (Section 201.209, Transportation Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 201D, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.209, as follows: Sec. 201.209. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT. Authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to contract with any public or private entity to carry out the department's powers, duties, and responsibilities. Requires the department by rule to adopt policies and procedures consistent with applicable state procurement practices for soliciting and awarding the contracts under this section. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.