Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2321

Caption

Relating to issues involving the administration or finances of state entities.

Impact

The bill's provisions directly impact how state agencies operate, particularly in their financial dealings. By enforcing stringent reporting requirements on expenditures and contract awards, SB2321 aims to eliminate inefficiencies and improve the management of taxpayer dollars. Additionally, the introduction of the E-verify requirement for contractors ensures that all state contracts adhere to compliance standards regarding employment verification, which could help mitigate potential legal risks and enhance the integrity of the hiring practices among contractors engaged by the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 2321 aims to enhance the financial oversight and administrative efficiency of state entities by implementing stricter requirements for contract management and appropriations. The bill mandates that any general appropriations bill must include detailed descriptions of programs and activities for which funds are being appropriated. This ensures greater transparency and accountability in state spending, thus addressing concerns about fiscal responsibility within state agencies. Furthermore, state agencies are now required to submit detailed reports identifying potential spending reduction measures, ensuring that expenditures remain within fiscal constraints.

Contention

Despite the overall intent to improve oversight, the bill may face contention regarding its implementation. Some stakeholders might argue that the additional bureaucratic requirements could hinder the timely awarding of contracts, especially for smaller agencies or those with fewer resources. There are also concerns surrounding the increased reporting burdens, which some fear could divert attention and resources away from essential services provided by state agencies. Furthermore, the enforcement of E-verify requirements could spark debates about privacy and how it affects contractor operations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2991

Relating to toll collection and enforcement by toll project entities; authorizing an administrative fee; imposing a civil penalty.

TX SB316

Relating to toll collection and enforcement by toll project entities; authorizing an administrative fee; imposing a civil penalty.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2778

Relating to the operation and administration of the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

TX SB1432

Relating to the operation and administration of the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB531

Relating to the management and operation of open-enrollment charter schools, including certain contracts involving management and operation.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

Similar Bills

TX SB1805

Relating to contracting issues of state agencies, including ethics issues related to state contracting.

TX HB914

Relating to the administration of services provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services, including foster care, child protective, and prevention and early intervention services.

TX SB11

Relating to the provision of child protective services and other health and human services by certain state agencies or under contract with a state agency, including foster care, child protective, relative and kinship caregiver support, prevention and early intervention health care, and adoption services.