BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2868

By: Phelan

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been calls to provide governmental entities greater flexibility in procuring interior design services given the high order of learning, skill, and intelligence the best designers possess. H.B. 2868 seeks to provide that flexibility by including interior design as a professional service under the Professional Services Procurement Act.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

H.B. 2868 amends the Government Code to include among the services classified as professional services for purposes of the Professional Services Procurement Act:

· the services that are within the scope of the practice of interior design; and

· the services that are provided in connection with the professional employment or practice of a person who is licensed or registered as an interior designer. 

The bill clarifies that the amended definition of "professional services" applies only to a contract entered into on or after October 1, 2019.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.