TITLE 16.ECONOMIC REGULATION

Part 1. RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS

Chapter 20. ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter A. CONTRACTS AND PURCHASES

16 TAC §20.5

The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) proposes amendments to §20.5, relating to historically underutilized businesses. The rule adopts by reference the rules of the Texas General Services Commission in 1 Texas Administrative Code, §§111.11-111.28, relating to historically underutilized business certification program, and promotes full and equal business opportunity for all businesses in state contracting. Section 20.5, originally adopted effective October 8, 1996, was adopted as required by the General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1, 74th Legislature, 1995, Section 111, titled "Contracting with Historically Underutilized Businesses."

The Commission proposes to amend subsection (a) to update the General Services Commission sections adopted by reference, as well as their effective dates; delete subsection (b) because it is no longer required; and amend subsection (c) to re-designate it as subsection (b). The Commission has concurrently filed a notice of intention to review §20.5, as it is proposed to be amended, in accordance with Tex. Gov't Code §2001.039 ( as added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch.1499, §1.11(a) ).

Rebecca Trevino, Director of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications to state or local governments as a result of the amendments. The public benefit anticipated as a result of the amendments will be the continued encouragement by the Railroad Commission of the use of historically underutilized businesses when procuring goods and services through race-, ethnic-, and gender-neutral means. There is no anticipated economic cost for small businesses, micro- businesses, or individuals who will be required to comply with the amendments.

Comments may be submitted to Mary Ross McDonald, Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Railroad Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711, or via electronic mail to polly.mcdonald@rrc.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 10 days following publication in the Texas Register . For more information, call Ms. McDonald at (512) 463-7008, or Ms. Kellie Martinec, Rules Coordinator, at (512) 475-1295.

The Commission proposes the amendments under Texas Government Code, §2161.003 which requires the Commission to adopt the General Services Commission's rules under §2161.002 as the agency's own rules, and Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6447, which authorizes the commissioners to make all rules necessary for their government and proceedings.

Tex. Gov't Code, §2161.003, and Chapters 2155, 2158, 2161, 2162, 2166, 2252, and 2254, and Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6447, are affected by the proposed amendments.

Issued in Austin, Texas on April 10, 2001.

§20.5.Historically Underutilized Businesses.

(a)

The Commission adopts by reference the rules of the Texas General Services Commission in 1 TAC Chapter 111, Subchapter B, concerning historically underutilized business certification program, as effective on the following dates:

(1)

§111.11 amended effective April 19, 2000;

(2)

§111.12 amended effective June 13, 2000;

(3)

§111.13 amended effective April 19, 2000;

(4)

§111.14 adopted effective April 19, 2000;

(5)

§111.15 amended effective February 16, 2000;

(6)

§111.16 amended effective June 13, 2000;

(7)

§111.17 amended effective February 16, 2000;

(8)

§111.18 adopted effective October 4, 1995;

(9)

§111.19 adopted effective October 4, 1995;

(10)

§111.20 amended effective February 16, 2000;

(11)

§111.21 amended effective December 7, 1997;

(12)

§111.22 amended effective February 16, 2000;

(13)

§111.23 amended effective February 16, 2000;

(14)

§111.24 amended effective February 16, 2000;

(15)

§111.25 adopted effective February 15, 1998;

(16)

§111.26 adopted effective April 19, 2000;

(17)

§111.27 adopted effective April 19, 2000; and

(18)

§111.28 adopted effective June 13, 2000.

[ (a)

The commission adopts by reference the rules of the Texas General Services Commission in 1 TAC §§111.11-111.23, concerning historically underutilized business certification program, which became effective October 4, 1995.]

[ (b)

The adoption of this rule is required by the General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1, 74th Legislature, 1995.]

(b)

[ (c) ] Copies of the rule are filed in the Railroad Commission's Finance and Accounting Division, located at the Commission's offices at 1701 North Congress, 9th floor, Austin, Texas 78701, and at all Commission district offices.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 10, 2001.

TRD-200102036

Mary Ross McDonald

Deputy General Counsel

Railroad Commission of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 27, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1295