78R5767 KEG-D
By: Cook of Colorado H.B. No. 3043
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to abolishing the requirement that certain state agencies
participate in 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 2171.055(a), Government Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) State agencies in the executive branch of state
government may [shall] participate under commission rules in the
commission's contracts for travel services, provided that all
travel agents approved by the commission are permitted to contract
with the state and provide travel services to all state agencies.
SECTION 3. Sections 2171.052(e) and 2171.055(b), (c), and
(d), Government Code, are repealed.
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.