AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Interested parties note that the comptroller of public accounts of the State of Texas currently contracts with a vendor to provide shipping coordination services to all state agencies.  In order to provide for the lowest cost and best value, C.S.H.B. 1726 seeks to streamline shipping logistics and coordination services and to encourage the use of vendors that employ veterans or other persons with disabilities.

 

C.S.H.B. 1726 amends current law relating to shipping logistics and coordination services for state agencies.

 

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 Chapter 2172, Government Code, by adding Section 2172.007, as follows:

 

Sec. 2172.007.  SHIPPING LOGISTICS AND COORDINATION SERVICES.  (a) Authorizes the comptroller of public accounts of the State of Texas (comptroller) to contract with a vendor to oversee shipping logistics and coordination services for all state agencies and requires the comptroller to pay the contract from the anticipated cost savings realized under the contract.  Requires the vendor to arrange the shipment of goods, parcels, and freight using the shipping company selected by the state agency through competitive bidding that provides the best value to the agency for the shipment.

 

(b) Authorizes a state agency to arrange all shipments of goods, parcels, and freight under this section.

 

(c) Requires a vendor under this section to maintain a record of each shipment arranged for a state agency, including the cost of the shipment, the type of goods, parcels, or freight shipped, and the weight of the goods, parcels, or freight shipped.

 

(d) Authorizes the comptroller, in contracting for the oversight of shipping logistics and coordination services under this section, to provide contracting opportunities for vendors that employ veterans or other persons with disabilities whose products and services are available under Chapter 122 (Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities), Human Resources Code.

 

(e) Provides that this section does not apply to the shipment of items of extraordinary value, museum exhibits and antiquities, antique furniture, fine arts, specialized materials or products, or coins and paper bills.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.