Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

__________________ S TATE
FFAIRS/AgenciesAgencies
TATE AFFAIRS
77 th Texas Legislature
Authorizes a proposal guarantee to be in the form of a cashier’s check or money order, a bid bond issued
by an authorized surety, or any other approved method, if an agency by rule requires a proposal guaranty
as a condition for bidding on a contract.
Leasing of State Office Space
Requires the commission to lease space for the use of a state agency on the basis of obtaining the best
value for the state. Requires the commission to use certain criteria to adopt rules establishing guidelines
for determining best value in a lease contract.
Authorizes the commission to contract with one or more private brokerage or real estate firms to assist in
obtaining lease space for state agencies.
Requires the commission to evaluate the operation of the first four state-leased warehouses in Austin for
which the leases expire after October 1, 2001. Requires the commission to work with the state agency that
operates the warehouse to reduce inefficient warehouse space use. Sets out other requirements regarding
warehouse leased space.
Sets out new requirements regarding surplus property, including a requirement to advertise such property
on the comptroller’s website.
Sets out new requirements relating to disposition of surplus property by competitive bidding or direct sale,
including using an Internet auction site.
Sets out new requirements relating to disposition of surplus or salvage property by the commission and
state agency transfer of property to the commission.
Sets out requirements for advertising on the comptroller’s website, direct transfer. notice of transfer to the
comptroller, disposition by competitive bidding, auction, or direct sale, direct sale to the public,
advertisement of sale, and property accounting and proceeds of sale.
Requires the commission to establish a mandatory recycling program for a state agency that occupies a
building under its control and to develop rules regarding recycling.
Historically Underutilized Businesses
Authorizes the commission to enter into agreements with local governments that conduct certification
programs and with nonprofit organizations. Authorizes the commission to terminate an agreement if a local
government or nonprofit organization fails to meet the standards established by the commission. Makes
other provisions regarding historically underutilized businesses.
Miscellaneous Provisions
Makes the executive director subject to the same conflict of interest provisions as a board member and
prohibits an employee from engaging in certain activities.
Senate Research Center 258