78R11417 KEG-D


By:  Cook of Colorado                                             H.B. No. 3043



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to travel services contracts.                                        
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Sections 2171.052(b) and (c), Government Code, 
are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The central travel office may [shall] negotiate 
contracts with private travel agents, with travel and 
transportation providers, and with credit card companies that 
provide travel services and other benefits to the state.  The 
central travel office may [shall] negotiate with commercial lodging 
establishments to obtain the most cost-effective rates possible for 
state employees traveling on state business.
	(c)  The commission may [shall] make contracts with travel 
agents that meet certain reasonable requirements prescribed by the 
central travel office, [allowing contracts to provide travel 
services by as many private travel agents as possible] with 
preference given to resident entities of this state.
	SECTION 2.  Section 2171.052(e), Government Code, is 
repealed.               
	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.