SRC-MKV H.B. 2144 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2144
77R7193 BDH-FBy: Gray (Bernsen)
Natural Resources
5/8/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current General Service Commission (GSC) rules, the General Land
Office (GLO) is required to obtain the approval of GSC for purchases of
goods and services that exceed $100,000. Because of this requirement, GLO
often has to submit requests to GSC for purchases to implement coastal
erosion studies and projects required under the Coastal Erosion Planning
and Response Act. The dependence of GLO on GSC's approval or handling of
purchases may delay or hinder coastal erosion studies and projects. H.B.
2144 provides GLO with the authority to purchase goods and services for all
costal erosion studies and projects.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 2155C, Government Code, by adding Section
2155.147, as follows: 

Sec. 2155.147.  CERTAIN PURCHASES BY GENERAL LAND OFFICE.  (a) Provides
that the General Land Office is delegated all purchasing functions relating
to purchases under Section 33.603 (Coastal Erosion Studies and Projects),
Natural Resources Code, including coastal erosion studies, demonstration
studies, and response projects. 

(b) Requires the General Land Office to acquire goods and services by any
procurement method that provides the best value to the land office.
Requires the land office to consider the best value standards provided by
Section 2155.074.   

(c) Requires the General Services Commission (commission) to procure goods
and services for the General Land Office at the request of the land office,
and authorizes the land office to use the services of the commission in
procuring goods and services. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.