BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2820

By: Chisum

State Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Geoscience has long played a significant role in the economy and culture of Texas.  Texas geoscientists and geologic surveyors were integral to the development of the Texas oil and gas industries during the 20th century.  Today, Texas geoscientists are a cornerstone of carbon storage development, pipeline construction, and the enhanced recovery of hydrocarbons.  Insufficient professional competence in these areas can endanger public health and public safety.  Energy security, environmental safety, and the Texas economy depend on the proper certification of geoscientists. Geoscientists are regulated under the Texas Geoscience Practice Act, enacted by the 78th Legislature in 2003. Government contracting for geoscientific services demands the same level of standards and performance as applies to contracting for other professional services.

C.S.H.B. 2820 adds professional geoscientists to the list of recognized providers of professional services under the Professional Services Procurement Act. The bill applies to the procurement of geoscientific services and landscape architectural services the same procedures as apply currently to the procurement of architectural, engineering, and land surveying services.

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

C.S.H.B. 2820 amends the Government Code to extend the definition of "professional services" in the Professional Services Procurement Act to include services that are within the scope of the practice of professional geoscience and services that are provided in connection with the professional employment or practice of a person who is licensed or registered as a professional geoscientist.

C.S.H.B. 2820 adds landscape architectural services and geoscientific services to provisions governing contracting for certain services by a governmental entity.

C.S.H.B. 2820 makes its provisions applicable to the selection of a provider of professional geoscientific services or the award of a contract to provide professional geoscientific services made on or after October 1, 2009.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 2820 differs from the original by also adding landscape architectural services to the types of services covered by the statutory procedures, rather than only adding geoscientific services as in the original.