BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 962

By: Guillen

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

 

The current state exemption from certain purchasing contract requirements for certain library purchases by a state university  has resulted in efficiency in library operations and economy in purchasing. This same exemption was extended to junior colleges in 1999.  However, the current wording for junior college library purchasing has resulted in some confusion about the exemption.  

 

H.B. 962 clarifies and extends the exemption for library acquisitions by junior colleges.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 962 amends the Education Code to exempt a purchase, acquisition, or license of library goods and services for a library operated as a part of a junior college district from the requirement that school district and junior college district purchasing contracts valued at $25,000 or more over a 12-month period be made under the method, of several months enumerated in statute, that provides the best value. The bill clarifies a junior college district's authority to acquire library goods and services, authorizing a junior college district to purchase, license, or otherwise acquire library goods and services in any manner authorized by law for the purchase, license, or acquisition of library goods and services by a public senior college or university.

 

H.B. 962 expands the definition of "library goods and services" to include: serial and journal subscriptions consisting of electronic databases, digital content, and information products; other library resources consisting of e-books, media not available under a statewide contract, and papers; library services consisting of periodical jobber and binding services not available under statewide contract; and library or resource-sharing programs operated by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.