78R5172 KEG-D

By:  Menendez                                                     H.B. No. 2845



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the ability of state agencies to use the Internet and 
other resources to obtain more cost-effective travel reservations 
and tickets for state employees.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 2171.0521, Government 
Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 2171.0521.  ONLINE RESERVATION AND TICKETING 
CAPABILITY; USE OF INTERNET AND OTHER RESOURCES.
	SECTION 2.  Section 2171.0521(c), Government Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
	(c)  A state agency shall [may] use the online reservation 
and ticketing capability, the Internet, or other available 
resources to try to locate the most cost-effective [make] travel 
reservations or tickets for a state employee traveling on state 
business.  The agency may obtain a reservation or ticket through the 
online reservation and ticketing capability, the Internet, or 
another resource only if the ticket or reservation is shown, by 
information kept by the agency for review by the commission, to be 
at least as cost-effective as, or more cost-effective than, similar 
available reservations or tickets.
	SECTION 3.  Section 2171.055(a), Government Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
	(a)  State agencies in the executive branch of state 
government shall participate under commission rules in the 
commission's contracts for travel services, provided that:
		(1)  all travel agents approved by the commission are 
permitted to contract with the state and provide travel services to 
all state agencies; and
		(2)  a state agency shall, subject to Section 
2171.056(b), use the Internet, the online reservation and ticketing 
capability, or other resources to obtain the most cost-effective 
travel arrangements.
	SECTION 4.  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.