SRC-BWC C.S.S.B. 1575 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1575 77R12448 MTB-DBy: Gallegos State Affairs 4-18-2001 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, when a motor vehicle accident occurs on a state highway, the Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is responsible for contracting with a tow truck or a recovery service company in order to either repair or remove a disabled vehicle from the road. TXDOT is required to select a towing company based on a competitive pricing and is not allowed to consider the company's reputation, equipment, or experience when making a selection. C.S.S.B. 1575 authorizes TXDOT to contract with one or more private businesses to facilitate the removal of motor vehicles blocking roadways in a more expedient manner. 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 472B, Transportation Code, by adding Section 472.015, as follows: Sec. 472.015. CONTRACTS FOR THE REMOVAL OF PROPERTY. Authorizes the Department of Transportation (department), in contracting with a private business for the removal of personal property from the right-of-way or roadway of the state highway system, to use a purchasing method described in Chapter 2156 (Purchasing Methods), Government Code; include the removal work in a contract entered into under Chapter 223; or select a business based on an evaluation of the experience of the business and the quality of the business's equipment and services. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Differs from As Filed version in SECTION 1 by replacing proposed text with new text regarding contracts for the removal of property. Differs from As Filed in SECTION 2 by adding a new effective clause.