BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 297
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, the Texas Building and Procurement Commission is required to appoint a committee to review the uniform general conditions of state building construction contracts. The committee is currently comprised of twelve members nominated by a variety of state agencies and associations as representatives from various parts of the construction trade. While a representative from a historically underutilized business is currently appointed to the committee, minority and small contractor representation on the committee is significantly lacking. Minority and small contractor representation is important to ensure that the specifications do not contain requirements that would present barriers to such contractors. The Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas and the Black Contractors Association have historically provided input on state issues that affect not only their respective membership, but the small contracting community as a whole.
As proposed, S.B. 297 includes the appointment to the committee of a nominee from a list submitted by the board of directors of the Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas as well as a nominee from a list submitted by the board of directors of the Black Contractors Association, replacing appointments to the board by the commission from a list submitted by the executive director of the National Association of Minority Contractors as well as an individual representing the interests of historically underutilized businesses.
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 Section 2166.305(b), Government Code, by restructuring the composition of the committee appointed to review the uniform general conditions of state building construction contracts. Increases from seven to eight the number of individuals appointed by the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (commission) to the committee by adding the appointment of one nominee from a list submitted by the board of directors of the Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas. Replaces the appointment to the committee from the list submitted by the executive director of the National Association of Minority Contractors with an appointment from the list submitted by the board of directors of the Black Contractors Association. Removes from the composition of the committee the inclusion of one individual appointed by the commission representing the interests of historically underutilized businesses.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.