BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1862
By: Ellis
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
As proposed, S.B. 1862 requires more efficient, environmentally sensitive standards for certain products purchased by state agencies. The bill requires the purchase of Energy Star-rated appliances, propane or natural gas lawnmowers, low volatile organic compound paint, and Green Label Standard carpet. S.B. 1862 also requires the comptroller of public accounts to collect data on appliances purchased by state agencies and on the energy efficiency of the appliances.
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 2158.301, Government Code, as added by Chapter 939 (H.B. 3693), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, as follows:
Sec. 2158.301. New heading: ENERGY CONSERVATION: APPLIANCES, PRINTERS, AND PHOTOCOPY MACHINES. (a) Creates this subsection from existing text. Requires a state agency, unless the comptroller of public accounts (comptroller) approves a written request from a state agency for an exemption from the requirements of this subsection, rather than if available and cost effective, to purchase equipment and appliances, including printers and photocopy machines, for state use that meet or exceed the federal Energy Star standards, rather than certain other federal energy conservation standards.
(b) Requires that a printer or photocopy machine purchased by a state agency have duplexing capability and the ability to be programmed to default to double-sized printing or copying.
(c) Requires that a state agency printer or photocopy machine that has duplexing capability be programmed to default to double-sided printing or copying.
(d) Requires the comptroller to collect data on appliances purchased by state agencies and on the energy efficiency of the appliances.
SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 2158, Government Code, by adding Subchapter G, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
Sec. 2158.351. PURCHASE OF LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT. Prohibits a state agency from purchasing a lawnmower or other landscaping equipment unless the lawnmower or equipment is powered by propane or natural gas or is electrically powered.
SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 2166, Government Code, by adding Subchapter M, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER M. BUILDING ACCESSORIES
Sec. 2166.601. PAINT. Requires a state agency in the executive branch of state government that owns, operates, maintains, or has charge and control of a building to, when feasible, require paint purchased for a new facility or for a remodel, repair, or renovation project to be a zero or low volatile organic compound paint.
Sec. 2166.602. CARPET, CARPET BACKING, AND CARPET TILES. Requires a state agency that owns, operates, maintains, or has charge and control of a building to, when feasible, require carpet, carpet backing, and carpet tiles purchased for a new facility or for a remodel, repair, or renovation project to contain postconsumer recycled content that meets the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Standard.
SECTION 4. Repealer: Section 2158.301 (Energy Conservation), Government Code, as added by Chapter 262 (S.B. 12), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2009.