Bill Caption

Relating to the authority of certain counties to consider a prospective contractor's place of business when awarded certain contracts.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 4437 applies to a county with a population of more than 3.3 million that is awarding a contract for services for the construction of a structure, road, highway or other improvement or addition to real property. Under the provisions of this bill a county may award the contract to an entity with a permanent business presence in the county if the bid/proposed price submitted by the entity is within three percent of the lowest bid and if the commissioners court determines that the bid offers the best economic development opportunities for the county.

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 4437 allows for a broader selection process by increasing the potential number of bids eligible for a commissioners court to award a contract to. Currently, the commissioners court may enter into contracts with either the lowest bidder or the bidder with whom a contract offers the best economic development opportunity. HB 4437 opens the opportunities for private entities by giving the commissioners court more options as they may review bids that are in the lowest 3 percent rather than the lowest bidder.

Texas Actions supports HB 4437.