SRC-SEW, JEC S.B. 874 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 874 2001S0484By: Lindsay Intergovernmental Relations 3/16/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Current law prohibits counties from requiring pre-bid conferences as a precondition for having a bid accepted for goods and services. Pre-bid conferences are useful for establishing a clear project understanding for all bidders. They clarify basic requirements and procedures for bidding; highlight specific project issues that must be addressed to bid effectively; and provide a forum for questions and answers in the presence of other prospective bidders. As proposed, S.B. 874 authorizes counties to require pre-bid conferences. 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 Section 262.025, Local Government Code, by adding Subsection (e), to provide that a county with a population of 2.8 million or more and any district or authority created under Section 59, Article XVI (Conservation and Development of Natural Resources; Conservation and Reclamation Districts), Texas Constitution, of which the governing body is the commissioners court may require attendance by a principal, officer, or employee of each prospective bidder at mandatory pre-bid conferences conducted to discuss contract requirements and answer questions of prospective bidders. SECTION 2. Amends Section 262.027, Local Government Code, by adding Subsection (f), to authorize the commissioners court, in determining the lowest and best bid for a contract, to condition acceptance of bids on attendance at mandatory pre-bid conferences if attendance is required under Section 262.025. SECTION 3. Amends Section 271.055, Local Government Code, by adding Subsection (f), to make conforming changes. SECTION 4. Amends Section 271.057, Local Government Code, by adding Subsection (b), to make conforming changes. SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.