BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                             H.B. 661

                                                                                                                                          By: Branch

                                                                                                                                 Public Education

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

This bill is designed to allow certain public school libraries to participate in group purchasing agreements of the TexShare Library Consortium.  The Consortium currently includes the libraries of higher education institutions, public libraries, and libraries of nonprofit organizations. The Consortium makes available collections of electronic resources (journals, magazines and newspapers) through public and academic libraries.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in SECTION 3 of this bill.  

 

ANALYSIS

 

This bill adds language to assert that the Legislature is committed to helping public school libraries by enhancing the ability of public schools to further student achievement through designated public school library participation in group purchasing agreements.  Accordingly, language is amended to allow public school libraries to be included in group purchasing agreements.  The Commission may designate public school libraries that may participate in group purchasing agreements provided to the Consortium.  The Commission by rule is to establish criteria for participation.  Additionally, the Commission may allow designated public school libraries to participate in a group purchasing agreement only to the extent the commission may do so efficiently and in a manner not reducing services to consortium members.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.