Texas Senate Bill SB413

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/29/11

Caption

Relating to the purchasing and contracting authority of counties.

Impact

The bill establishes new rules and procedures that counties must adhere to when procuring goods and services. It stipulates that counties should prioritize competitive procurement practices while also allowing for flexibility in situations where no responsive bids are received. The introduction of a systematic approach that aligns county purchasing with best practices aims to bolster transparency and accountability, thereby enhancing the integrity of county financial management and operations.

Summary

SB413 is a legislative bill aimed at amending the Local Government Code regarding the purchasing and contracting authority of counties in Texas. The proposed changes include clarifications on how counties can utilize electronic transfers and checks for purchases, along with mandates for competitive bidding processes. It introduces measures that emphasize collaborative purchasing between counties and municipalities, potentially increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in public procurement.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB413 is the preference given to bidders who provide reasonable health insurance coverage as part of their proposals. This provision, while promoting fair labor practices, has raised concerns among some stakeholders about its potential impact on small businesses that may struggle to meet these requirements. Additionally, the amendment allowing counties to refuse contracts with individuals indebted to them may be seen by some as penalizing vendors, which could affect their willingness to participate in county contracting opportunities.