Relating to the lease of space by or for a state agency.
Impact
The bill strengthens the authority of the commission overseeing state leases by mandating a thorough examination of all available state-owned properties before state agencies can lease externally. This shift is intended to foster efficient use of state resources and ensure that public funds are not wasted on leasing when alternative state-owned options exist. The bill's implementation aims to streamline leasing processes and potentially reduce overall expenditures related to leasing spaces.
Summary
House Bill 265 addresses the leasing of space by state agencies in Texas. The bill amends Section 2167.002 of the Government Code, outlining the prerequisites for a state agency to enter into a lease. It specifies that a state agency may lease space only if there is no state-owned space available to it and if the agency's budget allows for such a lease. This provision ensures that state-owned property is prioritized for use by state agencies before incurring leasing costs.
Contention
While the language of HB 265 appears straightforward, there may be discussions around the bill concerning how the determination of 'available' state-owned space is made. Agencies could argue the difficulty in relocating their operations or the impracticalities of using distant state spaces. Questions may also arise regarding the delegation of leasing authority to state agencies, which could prompt discussions about oversight and accountability in the leasing process.