BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1335

79R7438 DRH-D                                                                                                              By: Madla

Intergovernmental Relations

4/5/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Subchapter H, Chapter 271, Local Government Code, as currently written does not authorize the use of design-build procurement methods unless specifically granted in legislation.  Design-build is a method of contracting in which an owner hires a competent design firm or contractor who in turn hires an architect, structural engineer, mechanical/electrical engineer, civil engineer, and any specialty consultants.  The design team works with the owner from day one to design a facility best suited to the owner's needs.  The result is a project with a realistic budget, little or no change orders, time savings and effective design from the start.      

As proposed, S.B. 1335 authorizes the San Antonio Water System to utilize design-build in its procurement process for a brackish water desalination plant. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 271, Local Government Code, by adding Section 271.1191 as follows:

            Sec. 271.1191.  USE OF DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT WATER DESALINATION PLANT. (a) Authorizes a governmental entity, including a water utility owned by a governmental entity, to use the design-build method described by Section 271.119 (Design-Build Contracts for Facilities) for the construction of a water desalination plant, notwithstanding Section 271.111(7) (Definitions). 

                        (b) Defines "facility."   

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.