Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1834

Caption

Relating to invoices and payments under certain state contracts for outside legal services.

Impact

The bill's provisions aim to improve the accountability and transparency of how state funds are utilized for legal services. By requiring detailed documentation to support invoices, it seeks to prevent potential misuse of public funds and ensure that legal services are rendered efficiently and effectively. The provision specifying that payments for legal services are overdue after 46 days also establishes a clearer timeline for governmental entities, which can help in financial planning and management.

Summary

House Bill 1834 addresses the procedures related to invoices and payments under certain state contracts for outside legal services. This bill amends existing sections of the Government Code, establishing new standards for the submission and certification of invoices by legal firms providing services to state agencies. Specifically, it mandates that state agencies' offices of general counsel must review and certify invoices to ensure that the services billed were performed within the contract's scope and are necessary for fulfilling the contract's purpose.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 1834 is cautiously optimistic. Proponents assert that the enhanced oversight of legal expenditures will lead to better governance and fiscal responsibility. However, there may be concerns about the additional administrative burden placed on state agencies that may have to allocate more time and resources to comply with the new requirements. Some stakeholders might view these changes as beneficial, while others could see them as a hindrance to their operational efficiency.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1834 may stem from the implications it carries for legal service providers and state agencies. While the intention is to ensure diligence and compliance, legal firms may argue that the required reviews and certifications could delay payments and introduce complexity into the invoicing process. Additionally, there may be debates over how these requirements could impact smaller legal practices that may not have the resources to meet the certification demands as seamlessly as larger firms.

Companion Bills

TX SB1370

Same As Relating to invoices and payments under certain state contracts for outside legal services.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

TX HB4864

Relating to the method of providing certain notices or invoices relating to toll collections by a toll project entity.

TX HB2492

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX SB680

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

TX HB2710

Relating to school district purchasing of and contracting for goods and services.

TX HB937

Relating to the establishment of the inmate legal services office and to the appointment and compensation of certain legal counsel for certain indigent inmates and other persons in secure correctional facilities.

TX HB1787

Relating to the method used to select engineers and general contractors for certain state highway construction projects.

TX SB2504