BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 4552

By: Longoria

State Affairs

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Department of Information Resources (DIR) operates a cooperative contract program for information technology (IT) products and services, including computers, software, security hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, IT staffing services, deliverables-based services, and technology-based training. There is a need to update and clarify current statute regarding this program. Currently, DIR needs to conclude that two or more customers want a product or service in order to make that service available under the program. However, the current state of technology and the program render the requirement burdensome when larger customers need access to highly specialized products or services. C.S.H.B. 4552 seeks to address this issue by allowing DIR to offer an item through the cooperative contracting program that is in demand by only one customer.

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

C.S.H.B. 4552 amends the Government Code to remove the language conditioning the authority of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to offer a particular commodity item through its cooperative contracts purchasing program for information technology commodity items on DIR determining that reasonable demand exists for the item from two or more customers and to allow DIR instead to offer items for which only a single customer is providing the demand. For purposes of determining which technology services qualify as a commodity item that may be offered by DIR under this program, the bill defines "technology services" as services that, regardless of how the fees for those services are generally charged, relate to the development, configuration, review, assessment, acquisition, implementation, or maintenance of information technology hardware, software, or services or consist of other routine technology services.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 4552 differs from the introduced only by including a Texas Legislative Council draft number in the footer.