Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2123

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the administration of certain county services and duties.

Impact

The bill modifies existing regulations that set expenditure limits for counties, specifically changing the thresholds for competitive bidding from $25,000 to $50,000. This change is intended to streamline the purchasing process for county services, enabling faster procurement for lower-cost items. However, this might lead to concerns about accountability and competitiveness within the bidding process, potentially reducing opportunities for smaller vendors to compete for county contracts.

Summary

Senate Bill 2123 addresses the administration of certain county services and duties, aiming to clarify and update procedures for various local government operations. It includes amendments across different sections of the Local Government Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly focusing on procurement and competitive bidding processes for county expenditures. The bill raises the monetary thresholds at which competitive bidding must be followed, which is a significant change impacting how counties conduct procurement and manage contracts.

Contention

There are discussions regarding the implications this bill would have on fiscal responsibility at the county level. Critics argue that raising the expenditure thresholds for competitive bidding could result in less oversight and increased risk of mismanagement in county spending. On the other hand, supporters argue that it will decrease unnecessary bureaucratic red tape and allow counties to operate more effectively, enabling quicker decisions in providing services to residents. The balance between efficient governance and ensuring public accountability remains a point of contention.

Companion Bills

TX HB3485

Identical Relating to certain county, municipal, district, and other governmental functions, procedures, powers, duties, and services, including certain criminal procedures.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4703

Relating to the operation and administration of and practice in and grants provided by courts in the judicial branch of state government.

TX HB3474

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

TX HB2778

Relating to the operation and administration of the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

TX HB3400

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX HB2516

Relating to certain rights and duties of residential tenants and landlords.

TX SB1318

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the notice provided by peace officers to adult victims of family violence.

TX HB1528

Relating to magistration proceedings for criminal defendants and the retention of related records, to services and representation provided to indigent criminal defendants and indigent juveniles, and to the governance and administration of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

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