The bill, H.B. No. 191, introduces a new section, 2155.454, to the Government Code, establishing a preference in state purchasing for goods and services used in areas declared as disaster zones. A "disaster area" is defined as any region in Texas that has been officially designated as such by either the governor or the president of the United States under relevant disaster relief laws. The bill mandates that the comptroller and state agencies prioritize bids from businesses whose principal place of business is located within the political subdivision where the goods or services will be utilized. This preference is effective from the date the area is declared a disaster zone until one year later, regardless of any subsequent termination of the disaster declaration.
Additionally, the bill requires the comptroller and state agencies to adopt necessary rules to implement this preference. It specifies that the provisions of Section 2155.454 will only apply to contracts for which public requests for offers or bids are made after the bill's effective date. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature, or otherwise, it will take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()