SRC-TJG S.B. 440 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 440 78R4713 QS-DBy: Lindsay Natural Resources 2/24/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, there are two water authorities in Harris County, with the possibility of another one being created this year. There is no framework to follow when deciding how best to hire contractors and subcontractors. As proposed, S.B. 440 requires water authorities in certain counties to follow the county government framework for purchasing and contracting certain goods and services, which includes bidding requirements for purchases greater than $25,000. 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 49I, Water Code, by adding Section 49.280, as follows: Sec. 49.280. PURCHASING PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN AUTHORITIES. (a) Provides that this section applies only to a regional water authority in a county with a population of 3.4 million or more. (b) Requires a regional water authority to follow the purchasing procedures provided for a county under Chapters 262 and 271, Local Government Code, and other law. Provides that in applying those provisions to a regional water authority under this section, a reference to "county" means "regional water authority" and a reference to "commissioners court" means "board." (c) Provides that the purchasing procedures provided for a county under Chapters 262 (Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Counties) and 271 (Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Municipalities, Counties, and Certain Other Local Governments), Local Government Code, and other law prevail over a conflicting or inconsistent provision of this chapter. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.