Texas House Bill HB1022

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a preference in state purchasing for products from disaster areas.

Impact

The implementation of HB1022 is expected to have positive ramifications for local economies in disaster-affected regions, particularly by encouraging state agencies to support local businesses and manufacturers. By creating a preference for goods sourced from these areas, the bill aims to promote economic recovery and revitalization in communities that have endured disasters, thereby aiding in quicker recovery by keeping financial resources within those communities.

Summary

House Bill 1022 is designed to amend the Government Code of Texas to establish a purchasing preference for goods produced in areas that have been declared disaster areas. This preference applies specifically when the cost of the goods from these areas does not exceed that of comparable products sourced elsewhere, and when the quality of such goods is at least on par with other options. The bill identifies 'disaster areas' based on declarations from either the governor or the president of the United States under relevant disaster relief laws.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB1022 may include concerns about the criteria for determining product quality and cost-effectiveness. Stakeholders may question whether state purchasing policies could effectively prioritize local products without sacrificing budgetary constraints or quality standards. Additionally, there might be scrutiny regarding the enforcement of these preferences and the administrative burden on state agencies to evaluate goods under this new framework, which could be a point of contention among legislators and public officials.