By:  Noriega (Senate Sponsor - Lindsay)                           H.B. No. 1296
	(In the Senate - Received from the House May 5, 2003; 
May 7, 2003, read first time and referred to Committee on Business 
and Commerce; May 21, 2003, reported favorably by the following 
vote:  Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 21, 2003, sent to printer.)


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT


relating to small business development programs of navigation 
districts and port authorities.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 60.404(d), Water Code, is amended to 
read as follows:    
	(d)  The specifications must:                                                  
		(1)  describe in detail the item to be acquired;                              
		(2)  require that bids be sealed; [and]                      
		(3)  require the attachment to the bid of a certified 
check, cashier's check, or bidders bond; and
		(4)  indicate whether a small business development 
program adopted by the port commission of the port authority or 
district 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) to read as follows:
	(d)  If a purchase or contract made under Subsection (a) is 
subject to a small business development program adopted by the port 
commission of the port authority or district, the purchase 
solicitation must indicate that fact and must also indicate where a 
copy of the program requirements may be obtained.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.



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