Texas House Bill HB1485

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/9/09
• Voted on by House: 4/22/09

Caption

Relating to rulemaking and performance assessments of certain state agencies.

Impact

One of the major impacts of HB1485 is its potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of state agencies. By requiring agencies to assess their performance systematically, the bill aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement. The outcomes of these assessments will be submitted to an independent foundation for evaluation, which will report back to the legislature, thereby improving legislative oversight and accountability. This procedural change is anticipated to lead to more informed decision-making and resource allocation within state government operations.

Summary

House Bill 1485 focuses on the establishment of a structured approach to performance assessments for certain state agencies in Texas. The bill amends the Government Code, particularly Chapter 2056, by introducing a new subchapter dedicated to performance assessment. Each state agency is mandated to create a six-year plan that utilizes the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, which will guide how they evaluate their management and accountability systems. Assessments will be conducted biennially, ensuring ongoing improvement and transparency.

Contention

While the bill has gained some support for its focus on accountability, points of contention arise regarding the implementation specifics and the potential burden it may place on smaller state agencies. Critics argue that the cost and effort associated with the required assessments may strain resources, particularly for agencies with limited staffing or operational budgets. Proponents, however, believe that the long-term benefits of improved performance justifies these initial costs and efforts, claiming that failing to adopt rigorous assessment processes could lead to inefficiencies becoming entrenched in state operations.