SRC-JLB S.B. 726 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 726
78R6735 JD-FBy: Wentworth
Intergovernmental Relations
3/14/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently in Texas, an appraisal district may not enter into a contract
with a value over $15,000, unless the contract is submitted to competitive
bidding.  As proposed, S.B. 726 allows Texas appraisal districts to use a
competitive sealed proposal method for certain purchases, permitting
negotiation with the qualified bidders and modification of the proposals
after submission. 

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 6.11, Tax Code, as follows:

Sec. 6.11.  New heading:  PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.  (a)
Provides that an appraisal district is subject to the same requirements
and has the same purchasing and contracting authority as a municipality
under Chapter 252 (Purchasing and Contracting Authority of
Municipalities), Local Government Code.  Deletes text requiring
competitive bidding on any expenditure which exceeds $15,000.  Deletes
text providing that an appraisal district's board has the same powers
regarding contracts and bids as does a commissioners court under Chapter
271C (Certificate of Obligation Act), Local Government Code. 

(b)  Provides that for purposes of this section all the provisions of
Chapter 252, Local Government Code, applicable to a municipality or to
purchases and contracts by a municipality apply to an appraisal district
and to purchases and contracts by an appraisal district to the extent they
can be made applicable, and all references to the municipality in that
chapter mean the appraisal district.  Authorizes any resident of the
appraisal district, for purposes of applying Section 252.061, Local
Government Code, to an appraisal district, to seek an injunction under
that section.  Provides that Sections 252.062 and 252.063, Local
Government Code, apply to an officer or employee of an appraisal district
in the same manner those sections apply to a municipal officer or
employee.  Deletes text relating to notice of the contract. 

  (c)  Subsection deleted.

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  July 1, 2003, or September 1, 2003.