AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

It has been noted that not only does the Department of Information Resources (DIR) offer a wide variety of information technology products and services but that a wide spectrum of public entities use DIR for their own purchases of these information technology commodity items.  These items include commercial software, hardware, or technology services. Interested parties note that additional entities would benefit from DIR's ability to negotiate with vendors to obtain the best value in the purchase of these items. H.B. 2000 seeks to include additional entities among those already using DIR for these purchases.

 

H.B. 2000 amends current law relating to the purchase of certain commodity items by an entity other than a state agency.

 

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 2157.068, Government Code, by adding Subsection (j), as follows:

 

(j) Authorizes the following entities to purchase commodity items through the Department of Information Resources, and be charged a reasonable administrative fee, as provided by this section:

 

(1) the Electric Reliability Council of Texas;

 

(2) the Lower Colorado River Authority;

 

(3) a private school, as defined by Section 5.001 (Definitions), Education Code;

 

(4) a private or independent institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003 (Definitions), Education Code; or

 

(5) a volunteer fire department, as defined by Section 152.001 (Definitions), Tax Code.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2015.