SRC-SEW S.B. 441 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 441
77R3848 MTB-DBy: Fraser
State Affairs
2/6/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, state agencies with fewer than 100 employees must
perform most of the same complex administrative tasks as large agencies,
but with fewer people who often must perform multiple functions.  As
proposed, S.B. 441 directs the State Council on Competitive Government to
review the administrative functions of small state agencies to determine
the cost-effectiveness of acquiring these services through group contracts. 

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 2162C, Government Code, by adding Section
2162.106, as follows: 

Sec. 2162.106.  SMALL STATE AGENCIES.  Defines "small state agency" and
"administrative functions."  Requires the State Council on Competitive
Government (council) to review the administrative functions of small state
agencies to determine the cost-effectiveness of acquiring these services
through a group contract or an interagency agreement.  Requires the
council, if the council determines that a service may be acquired in a more
cost-effective manner through a group contract or an interagency agreement,
to take certain steps in procuring such a service.  Requires the council to
follow certain guidelines in performing its duties under this section. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 403B, Government code, by adding Section
403.0222, as follows: 

Sec. 403.0222.  INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON SMALL STATE AGENCY REPORTING
PROCEDURES.  Defines "small state agency."  Creates an interagency task
force composed of representatives of certain political units to provide
advice on the simplification of small state agency reporting procedures.
Provides that an appointed member of the task force serve at the will of
the appointing authority.  Provides that a representative of the
comptroller's officer serves as presiding officer.  Authorizes the task
force to elect from its members any other necessary officers.  Requires the
task force to meet at the call of the presiding officer.  Prohibits a task
force member from being entitled to additional compensation but provides
that a member is entitled to reimbursement for the member's travel expenses
as provided by Chapter 660 and the General appropriations Act.  Provides
that the agency represented by a member is responsible for the payment of
the expenses.  Sets forth requirements concerning the duties of the task
force. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2001.