Texas House Bill HB611

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/6/11
• Introduced: 1/12/11
• Refer: 2/21/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11

Caption

Relating to the provision of certain professional services by certain governmental entities.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 611 on state laws is to create a framework that restricts governmental entities from engaging in certain professional services unless they have direct oversight or ownership of the property in question. This could lead to a more defined separation between public services and private enterprise, ensuring that governmental resources are allocated responsibly and do not encroach upon the rights or business opportunities available to private companies. Furthermore, the bill reinforces the intent of public entities to focus on their core responsibilities without competing in areas where private entities are capable of providing services.

Summary

House Bill 611 aims to regulate the provision of certain professional services by governmental entities in Texas. The bill outlines that governmental entities such as boards, commissions, and departments are prohibited from providing commercially available services related to engineering, architecture, construction, and environmental documentation unless specific conditions are met regarding property ownership or agreement to access the property. This measure is designed to limit the scope of services that governmental entities can offer, thus potentially reducing the competition between public entities and private sector service providers.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 611 include the potential for this legislation to limit the capabilities of governmental entities in managing projects that may require specialized services. Critics may argue that such limitations could hinder the overall efficiency and oversight of public projects, leading to increased costs or delays. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the practical implications for smaller governmental entities that rely on the ability to manage these services internally. The exceptions outlined in the bill for smaller projects and emergencies indicate an awareness of the need for flexibility but may not fully address the concerns of those who advocate for governmental involvement in professional services.