Texas Senate Bill SB1109

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/29/11
• Introduced: 3/3/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/11
• Refer: 3/16/11
• Report Pass: 3/29/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Refer: 4/26/11

Caption

Relating to state agency procurement and the comptroller's procurement powers and duties.

Impact

The proposed law is perceived to centralize authority and oversight of purchases made by state agencies, which can potentially lead to more uniformity and check against misuse of procurement powers. By allowing the comptroller to set standards and procedures, the bill looks to ensure that all agencies comply with defined guidelines, leading to better accountability and transparency in state procurements. This shift could lead to significant changes in how state entities approach contractual obligations and expenditures, potentially resulting in more negotiated statewide agreements rather than fragmented separate contracts by individual agencies.

Summary

SB1109 aims to reform state agency procurement processes and enhance the powers and duties of the comptroller regarding procurement activities. The bill amends various sections of the Government Code to streamline purchasing practices and emphasize efficiency in state spending. This legislation would enable the comptroller to leverage statewide contracts and enhance cooperative purchasing strategies across state agencies, thereby driving cost savings and promoting standardized procurement practices. Furthermore, the bill envisions centralizing oversight of procurement functions to enable better resource management.

Contention

Key points of contention around SB1109 focus on the balance of power between the comptroller's office and state agencies. Critics argue that centralizing procurement authority may dilute agency autonomy and responsiveness to unique needs. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding potential bureaucratic overload for the comptroller that could slow down the procurement process instead of expediting it. Proponents, however, emphasize the bill's potential for improved spending efficiency and enhanced oversight, arguing it could prevent waste and ensure that taxpayer dollars are utilized more effectively.