HBA-DMH C.S.S.B. 1575 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1575
By: Gallegos
Transportation
5/9/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The number of highway accidents is on the rise.  Commonly, when an accident
occurs assistance from a tow truck or a recovery service is requested to
either repair or remove a disabled vehicle.  Currently, the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) selects a towing company to perform
these services based solely on competitive pricing.  Therefore, TxDOT is
not allowed to select a business based on its experience and the quality of
its equipment and services.  Senate Bill 1575 authorizes TxDOT to contract
with a private business for the removal of personal property from the
right-of-way or roadway of the state highway system using various contract
methods or based on a business's experience, equipment, and services. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 1575 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT), when entering into a contract with a
private business for the removal of personal property from the right-of-way
or roadway of the state highway system, to use specified purchasing
methods, include the removal work in a contact entered into under
provisions regarding bids and contracts for highway projects, and select a
business based on an evaluation of the experience of the business and the
quality of the business's equipment and services. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.