BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1179
85R12838 JAM-F	By: Nelson
	Transportation
	4/3/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 1179 clarifies which purchases of goods and services by the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) may be made without a competitive sealed bid, including: items only available from one source; gas, water, and utility services; captive replacement parts; and contracts for planning services. By aligning its purchasing authority with that of other local entities, this bill allows DCTA to partner with its member cities to build infrastructure in Denton County.

As proposed, S.B. 1179 amends current law relating to purchasing and contracting practices of coordinated county transportation authorities.

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 460.406(c), Transportation Code, as follows:

(c) Authorizes the board of directors of a coordinated county transportation authority to authorize the negotiation of a contract without competitive sealed bids or proposals if the contract is for services or property for which there is only one source or for which it is otherwise impracticable to obtain competition, including items that are available from only one source because of patents, copyrights, secret processes, or natural monopolies, gas, water, and other utility services; and captive replacement parts or components for equipment; or the contract is for personal, professional or planning services, rather than services for which competitive bidding is precluded by law. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017. �