H.B. 1296 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1296 By: Noriega Transportation Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Competitive bidding requirements for navigation districts and port authorities require a public notice be published if purchasing materials, supplies, machinery, equipment or other items that will exceed $25,000. H.B. 1296 adds the specification that the public notice indicate whether a small business development program applies to the purchase and, if so, where a copy of the program requirements may be obtained. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Section 60.404, Water Code, is amended by adding a requirement to the public notices of navigation districts and port authorities to include whether a small business development program applies to the purchase and, if so, where a copy of the program requirements may be obtained. SECTION 2. Section 60.4125, Water Code, is amended by adding subsection (d) which states the purchase solicitation must indicate if the purchase or contract made under subsection (a) is subject to a small business development program and also indicate where a copy of the program requirements may be obtained. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2003.