Texas House Bill HB123

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to an interlocal contract between a governmental entity and a purchasing cooperative to purchase roofing materials or services.

Impact

The passage of HB 123 will directly affect how governmental entities, including local governments, engage in cooperative purchasing for roofing services. By limiting the sources from whom materials or services can be procured, the bill intends to mitigate risks associated with favoritism or unethical practices. The law targets both the entities offering the roofing services and their affiliates, thereby enforcing stricter guidelines for contractors who wish to work with government entities on such projects. As a result, it may lead to more competitive bidding processes and potentially better pricing for public projects if managed effectively.

Summary

House Bill 123 pertains to interlocal contracts specifically focused on the purchase of roofing materials or services by governmental entities. The bill amends Section 791.011 of the Government Code, introducing strict prohibitions on purchasing roofing materials/services from any individual or entity that has provided consulting services related to the contract. This is to ensure that the integrity of the procurement process is upheld by preventing any conflicts of interest that may arise from close associations with consultants involved in the bidding process. The provisions aim to promote transparency and fairness in public procurement practices.

Contention

While the bill appears to have clear intentions of improving oversight within the public contracting space, it may also be met with resistance from those in the roofing industry who view the restrictions as overly limiting. Concerns may arise about whether the prohibitions impede legitimate business operations or create barriers that could drive up costs due to reduced competition. The bill does allow for exceptions related to previously submitted proposals, which may be a point of negotiation during discussions among stakeholders before its final implementation.