SRC-SEW C.S.S.B. 925 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   C.S.S.B. 925
By: Brown, J. E. "Buster"
Natural Resources
3/7/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the design-build method of construction alleviates many of the
pitfalls inherent in preliminary planning for a project by offering an
insured construction method.  Design-build is a  
method of contracting in which an owner hires a competent contractor who in
turn hires an architect, structural engineer, mechanical/electrical
engineer, civil engineer, and any specialty consultants.  All design and
construction is handled under one contract.  The design team works with the
owner from day one to design a building best suited to the owner's needs.
The result is a project with a realistic budget, little or no change
orders, and effective design from the start. 
C.S.S.B. 925 gives navigation districts and port authorities the option of
choosing the designbuild method when making certain purchases or entering
into certain contracts valued at $25,000 or more. 


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 60N, Water Code, by adding Section 60.4125, as
follows: 

Sec. 60.4125.  ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR CERTAIN PURCHASES OR CONTRACTS.  (a)
Authorizes a navigation district or port authority, notwithstanding the
other provisions of this subchapter or any other law, to make a purchase or
enter into a contract valued at $25,000 or more by any method available to
a school district, including all procedures and limitations, under Chapter
44B (Purchases; Contracts), Education Code, that, in the opinion of the
port commission, provides the best value to the navigation district or port
authority. 

(b) Provides that Subsection (a) of Sec. 60.4125 does not apply to a
purchase or a contract for the construction of highways, public roads,
public streets, bridges, water supply projects, water plants, wastewater
plants, or electric generation facilities. 

(c) Provides that Subsection (a) of Sec. 60.4125 does not apply to
contracts when the district or port authority is constructing a project for
another political subdivision of this state. 

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.  Amends As Filed S.B. 925, proposed new Section 60.4125, Chapter
60N, Water Code, as follows: 

 Sec. 60.4125.  Differs from original by adding the text "including all
procedures and limitations."  Adds new Subsection (b) to provide that
Subsection (a) of Sec. 60.4125 does not apply to a purchase or a contract
for the construction of highways, public roads, public streets, bridges,
water supply projects, water plants, wastewater plants, or electric
generation facilities. Adds new Subsection (c) to provide that Subsection
(a) of Sec. 60.4125 does not apply to contracts when the district or port
authority is constructing a project for another political subdivision of
this state. 

SECTION 2.  No changes in text.