Texas House Bill HB3691

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/1/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09

Caption

Relating to shipping coordination services for state agencies.

Impact

If passed, HB3691 would amend Chapter 2172 of the Government Code, directly impacting how state agencies organize their shipping logistics. The requirement for a centralized vendor means that every agency will no longer have the autonomy to contract shipping services with multiple providers independently. Instead, it would consolidate operations under one or a few selected vendors, which may lead to enhanced accountability in shipping expenditures and possibly improved service terms as the agencies work with the chosen vendor.

Summary

House Bill 3691 establishes a framework for shipping coordination services for various state agencies in Texas. Specifically, the bill mandates that the comptroller will contract with a vendor to provide these services, ensuring that all shipments of goods, parcels, and freight by state agencies are managed efficiently. The bill aims to utilize vendors that offer the lowest cost or best value for these shipments, promoting fiscal responsibility within the state’s operations. As a result, it intends to streamline logistics by standardizing how state agencies handle shipping needs.

Contention

A point of consideration regarding this bill is the emphasis on providing contracting opportunities specifically for vendors that employ veterans or individuals with disabilities. This provision not only aligns with broader social goals of inclusion and support for these groups but may also prompt discussions on the effectiveness and fairness of the selection process. Stakeholders may debate whether this provision prioritizes social impact over other factors like cost efficiency or vendor experience in handling state logistics.

Notable_points

The bill's structure and proposed operations model could spark discussions about transparency and ongoing oversight. Questions may arise concerning how the comptroller will ensure compliance from vendors in delivering the best value and how accurately they will report shipment details. Stakeholder engagement from both business sectors specialized in logistics and advocacy groups representing veterans and disabled individuals could shape the final outcomes of the discussions surrounding HB3691.