TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 4. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Chapter 81. ELECTIONS

Subchapter L. ELECTRONIC STORAGE MEDIUM STANDARDS

1 TAC §81.412

The Office of the Secretary of State, Elections Division, proposes new §81.412, concerning the standards an optical disk or other electronic storage medium must meet to enable voter registrars to record voter registration applications and other documentation in that storage medium.

A version of this rule with slightly different wording is currently in effect under §81.88. The existing §81.88 has been proposed for repeal. Proposed new §81.412 contains wording that will clarify a reference to the rules of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Also, §81.412 is organized under the more appropriate Subchapter L of Chapter 81, which relates to electronic storage medium standards. An earlier proposal of this rule, under the section number §81.10, published in the September 21, 2001, Texas Register (26 TexReg 7190), was withdrawn.

Ann McGeehan, Director of Elections, has determined that for the first five-year period that this rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. McGeehan has determined also that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to place the rule within its correct subject-matter subchapter. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Ann McGeehan, Director of Elections, Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 12060, Austin, Texas 78711-2060.

The new rule is proposed pursuant to the Election Code, Chapter 31, Subchapter A, §31.003, which provides the Secretary of State authority to promulgate rules to obtain uniformity in the interpretation and application of the Code.

The Election Code, Chapter 13, subchapter D, §13.104 is affected by this proposed rule.

§81.412.Optional Storage Method.

A voter registrar who records voter registration data for storage purposes on optical disk or other computer storage medium, shall follow the procedures for such storage as set forth in the rules of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Title 13 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 7, Subchapter C, concerning Standards and Procedures for Management of Electronic Records. This rule is authorized and is pursuant to Chapter 205 of the Texas Local Government Code.

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 March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201316

David Roberts

General Counsel

Office of the Secretary of State

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5569


Part 5. TEXAS BUILDING AND PROCUREMENT COMMISSION

Chapter 111. EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION DIVISION

Subchapter B. HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS PROGRAM

1 TAC §§111.14, 111.17, 111.28

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission proposes amendments to Title 1, TAC, Chapter 111, Subchapter B, §111.14, relating to subcontracts, §111.17, relating to the Certification Process; and §111.28, relating to the Mentor Protege Program. The amendments are proposed due to the enactment of Senate Bill 311, Article 13, 77th Legislative Session (2001), which amended the statutory language of §2161.061 and §2161.253, Texas Government Code. The amended statutory language found in §13.01, Senate Bill 311 relates to the Commission's approval of local governments or nonprofit organizations certification programs for businesses that substantially fall under the same definition for a Historically Underutilized Business found in §2161.001, Texas Government Code. Amended statutory language in §13.02, Senate Bill 311 determines that a contractor has made a good faith effort if a contractor participates in a Mentor Protege Program and submits a protégé as a subcontractor in the contractor's historically underutilized business subcontracting plan.

Previously proposed rule amendments were published in the November 30, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 9681). Based on comments received, the previously proposed amendments were withdrawn and revised to clarify the reporting of Mentor Protege Agreements to the Commission, a well as the determination of good faith effort with regard to the Mentor Protege program.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director of Administration and Procurement, determined for the first five year period the amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering these amendments.

Cindy Reed further determines that for each year of the first five-year period the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing these amendments will be compliance with law enacted in Senate Bill 311, Article 13, 77th Legislative Session (2001) relating to the Historically Underutilized Business Certification Program and the Mentor Protege Program. There will be no effect on large, small, or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with these amendments and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted to Juliet King, Legal Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal to the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §§2152.003, 2161.002, 2161.061, and 2161.253, which provide the Texas Building and Procurement Commission with the authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement the sections.

The following code is affected by these rules: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2161.

§111.14.Subcontracts.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Development and evaluation of HUB subcontracting plans. A state agency shall require a potential contractor vendor to state whether it is a Texas certified HUB. Potential contractors/vendors shall follow, but are not limited to, procedures in subsection (b)(1) of this section when developing the HUB subcontracting plan. The HUB subcontracting plan shall include the form provided by the agency identifying the subcontractors that will be used during the course of the contract, the expected percentage of work to be subcontracted and the approximate dollar value of that percentage of work. The potential contractor/vendor shall provide all additional information required by the agency.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) In making a determination whether a good faith effort has been made in the development of the required HUB subcontracting plan, a state agency shall require the potential contractor/vendor to submit supporting documentation explaining in what ways the potential contractor/vendor has made a good faith effort according to each criterion listed in subsection (b)(1) of this section. The documentation shall include at least the following:

(A) - (E) (No change.)

(F) whether the potential contractor/vendor assisted noncertified [ non-certified ] HUBs to become certified.

(4) A potential contractor/vendor's participation in a Mentor Protege Program under the Texas Government Code §2161.065, and the submission of a protege as a subcontractor in the HUB subcontracting plan constitutes a good faith effort for the particular area to be subcontracted with the protege. When submitted, state agencies may accept a Mentor Protege Agreement that has been entered into by the potential contractor/vendor (mentor) and a certified HUB (protege). The agency shall consider the following in determining the potential contractor/vendor's good faith efforts:

(A) whether the potential contractor has entered into a fully executed Mentor Protege Agreement that has been registered with the commission prior to submitting the plan, and

(B) whether the potential contractor/vendor's HUB subcontracting plan identifies the areas of subcontracting that will be performed by the protege.

(5) [ (4) ] The HUB subcontracting plan shall be reviewed and evaluated prior to contract award and, if accepted, shall become a provision of the agency's contract. No changes shall be made to an accepted subcontracting plan prior to its incorporation into the contract. State agencies shall review the supporting documentation submitted by the potential contractor/vendor to determine if a good faith effort has been made in accordance with this section and the bid specifications. If the agency determines that a submitted HUB subcontracting plan was not developed in good faith, the agency shall treat the lack of good faith as a material failure to comply with advertised specifications, and the subject bid or other response shall be rejected. The reasons for rejection shall be recorded in the procurement file.

(6) [ (5) ] If the potential contractor/vendor can perform all the subcontracting opportunities identified by the agency, a statement of the potential contractor's/vendor's intent to complete the work with its employees and resources without any subcontractors will be submitted with the potential contractor's/vendor's bid, proposal, offer, or other expression of interest. If the potential contractor/vendor is selected and decides to subcontract any part of the contract after the award, as a provision of the contract, the contractor/vendor must comply with provisions of this section relating to developing and submitting a subcontracting plan before any modifications or performance in the awarded contract involving subcontracting can be authorized by the state agency. If the selected contractor/vendor subcontracts any of the work without prior authorization and without complying with this section, the contractor/vendor would be deemed to have breached the contract and be subject to any remedial actions provided by Texas Government Code, Chapter 2161, state law and this section. Agencies may report nonperformance [ non-performance ] relative to its contracts to the commission in accordance with Chapter 113, Subchapter F of this title (relating to the Vendor Performance and Debarment Program).

(c) - (d) (No change.)

§111.17.Certification Process.

(a) - (e) (No change.)

(f) The Commission may approve the existing Certification Program of one or more local governments or nonprofit organizations in this state that certify historically underutilized businesses, minority business enterprises, women's business enterprises, disadvantaged business enterprises that substantially fall under the same definition, to the extent applicable for Historically Underutilized Business found in §2161.001, Texas Government, and maintain them on the Commission's Historically Underutilized Businesses list, if

(1) the local government or nonprofit organization meets or exceeds the standards established by the Commission as set out in Chapter 111, Subchapter B of this title (relating to the Historically Underutilized Business Program); and

(2) agrees to the terms and conditions as required by statute relative to the agreement between the local government and/or nonprofits for the purpose of certification of Historically Underutilized Businesses.

(g) The agreement in subsection (f) of this section must take effect immediately and contain conditions as follows:

(1) allow for automatic certification of businesses certified by the local government or nonprofit organization (Program) as prescribed by the commission;

(2) provide for the efficient updating of the commission database containing information about historically underutilized businesses and potential historically underutilized businesses as prescribed by the commission;

(3) provide for a method by which the commission may efficiently communicate with businesses certified by the local government or nonprofit organization;

(4) provide those businesses with information about the state's Historically Underutilized Business Program; and

(5) require that a local government or nonprofit organization that enters into an agreement under subsection (f) of this section, complete the certification of an applicant with written justification of its certification denial within the period established by the commission in its rules for certification.

(h) The commission will not accept the certification of a local government or nonprofit organization that charges for the certification of businesses to be listed on the Historically Underutilized Business list maintained by the commission.

(i) The commission may terminate an agreement made under this section if a local government or nonprofit organization fails to meet the standards established by the commission for certifying Historically Underutilized Businesses. In the event of the termination of an agreement, those HUB's that were certified as a result of the agreement will maintain their HUB status during the fiscal year in which the agreement was in effect. Those HUB's who are removed from the HUB list as a result of the termination of an agreement with a local government or nonprofit organization may apply directly to the commission for certification as a Historically Underutilized Business.

[(f) The commission will develop agreements with local governments to identify historically underutilized businesses and assist these businesses in obtaining state certification through the commission.]

(j) [ (g) ] The commission will send all certified HUBs an orientation packet including a certificate, description of certification value/significance, list of agency purchasers, and information regarding electronic commerce, the Texas Marketplace, and the state procurement process.

§111.28.Mentor Protege Program.

(a) - (g) (No change.)

(h) The protege must maintain its HUB certification status for the duration of the agreement. If a contractor/vendor has been awarded a contract with a state agency and the Mentor Protege Agreement is terminated, or the protege's HUB certification expires, the contractor/vendor must either

(1) enter into a new agreement with a certified HUB protege, or

(2) comply with the requirements of this title relating to developing and submitting a HUB subcontracting plan.

(i) [ (h) ] Each agency must notify its mentors and proteges that participation is voluntary. The notice must include written documentation that participation in the agency's Mentor Protege Program is neither a guarantee for a contract opportunity nor a promise of business; but the Program's intent is to foster positive long-term business relationships.

(j) [ (i) ] State agencies may demonstrate their good faith under this section by submitting a supplemental letter with documentation to the commission with their HUB Report or legislative appropriations request identifying the progress and testimonials of mentors and proteges that participate in the agency's Program. In accordance with §111.26 of this title (relating to HUB Coordinator Responsibilities) the agency's HUB Coordinator shall facilitate compliance by its agency.

(k) Each state agency that sponsors a Mentor Protege Program must report that information to the commission upon completion of a signed agreement by both parties. Information regarding the Mentor Protege Agreement shall be reported to the commission in a form prescribed by the commission within 21 calendar days after the agreement has been signed. The commission will register that agreement on the approved list of mentors and proteges. Approved Mentor Protege Agreements are valid for all state agencies in determining good faith effort for the particular area of subcontracting to be performed by the Protege as identified in the HUB subcontracting plan.

(l) The commission shall maintain and make available to state agencies all registered Mentor Protege Agreements. The sponsoring agency shall monitor and report the termination of an existing Mentor Protege Agreement that has been registered with the commission within 21 calendar days.

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 March 1, 2002.

TRD-200201289

Juliet King

Legal Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-3960


Chapter 113. CENTRAL PURCHASING DIVISION

Subchapter A. PURCHASING

1 TAC §113.21

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission proposes new Title 1, TAC, §113.21, concerning the reverse auction purchasing procedure. The new rule authorizes the use of the reverse auction procedure in accordance with Texas Government Code, §2155.062 (amended by Senate Bill 221 and §7.01, Senate Bill 311, (77th Legislature (2001)) which added the procedure to the Commission's purchasing methods.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director of Administration and Procurement, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be positive fiscal implications for the state as a result of enforcing or administering this new rule. The Texas State Comptroller's office, in its study of the reverse auction procedure, estimated that potential savings generated by using the reverse auction procedure range from 2% to 10%.

Cindy Reed, Deputy Executive Director of Administration and Procurement, further determines that for each year of the first five-year period the new rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing this rule will be reduced costs in purchasing. Internet real time reverse auction allows for continuous bids in a specified period of time until the lowest bid is reached. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted to Juliet King, Legal Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal to the Texas Register .

The new rule is proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §2152.003 and §2155.062 which provides the Texas Building and Procurement Commission with the authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement the sections.

The following codes are affected by these rules: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2155 and; Local Government Code, §§252.021, 262.023, 271.083, 271.906; and the Education Code, §44.931.

§113.21.Reverse Auction.

Pursuant to Government Code, §2155.062(a)(4) and (d), the commission may use the reverse auction procedure as a method of purchasing goods and services. In this competitive method of purchasing, bidding is a real time process lasting for a specified period of time, which multiple suppliers anonymous to each other submit bids to provide the designated goods or services to an internet location.

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 March 1, 2002.

TRD-200201286

Juliet King

Legal Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-3960


Chapter 126. SURPLUS AND SALVAGE PROPERTY PROGRAMS

Subchapter A. STATE SURPLUS AND SALVAGE PROPERTY

1 TAC §§126.1 - 126.5

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission proposes the repeal of Title 1, TAC, Chapter 126, Subchapter A--State Surplus and Salvage Property, §§126.1 - 126.5. The repeal of these rules is being proposed in order to delete obsolete language as a result of new requirements under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2175, Subchapters A, B, C, and D (amended by Article 11, Senate Bill 311, and House Bill 834, House Bill 936 and Senate Bill 1438, 77th Legislature). The repeal of Subchapter A, Chapter 126, allows for new rules to be proposed and published simultaneously in this publication of the Texas Register .

Mr. Bill Sullivan, Deputy Executive Director of Programs, has determined for the first five year period the repeal is effect there will be no fiscal implications to the state or local governments as a result of enforcing this repeal.

Mr. Bill Sullivan, Deputy Executive Director of Programs, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed repeal is in effect, the public benefit will be the deletion of obsolete language that will allow for the creation of more efficient new rules under Title 1, TAC, Chapter 126, Subchapter A--State Surplus and Salvage Property. There will be no anticipated cost to large, small or micro-businesses and/or persons as a result of repealing these rules.

Comments on the proposed repeal may be submitted to Ms. Juliet King, Legal Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register

The repeal is being proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, §2152.003 and §2175.001 which provides the Texas Building and Procurement Commission with the authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement the sections.

The following codes are affected by these rules: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2175, Subchapters A, B, C, and D; Agriculture Code, §74.1011; Government Code, §2308.253; and the Education Code, Chapter 32, Subchapter C.

§126.1.Definitions.

§126.2.Disposition of Surplus and Salvage Property to State Agencies, Political Subdivisions and Assistance Organizations.

§126.3.Disposition of Surplus and Salvage Property to the Public.

§126.4.Proceeds.

§126.5.Purchase of Chairs.

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 March 1, 2002.

TRD-200201288

Juliet King

Legal Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-3960


1 TAC §§126.1 - 126.6

The Texas Building and Procurement Commission proposes new Title 1, TAC Chapter 126, Subchapter A, §§126.1 - 126.6, concerning the State Surplus and Salvage Property. The new rules are proposed in accordance with new requirements under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2175, Subchapters A, B, C, and D (amended by Article 11, Senate Bill 311, House Bill 834, House Bill 936 and Senate Bill 1438, 77th Legislature). Government Code, §2175.065 directs the commission to establish by rule the criteria for determining that a delegation of authority to a state agency results in cost savings to the state; §2175.001 amends the definition for "assistance organization" to include nonprofit organizations; §2175.129 requires the commission to establish guidelines for determining the method of sale (competitive bid, auction or direct sale) most advantageous to the state; §2175.130 allows for direct sale to the public in order to maximize the resale value of surplus or salvage property to the state, and §2175.193 which requires that the commission contract for the disposal of property that has no resale value and is considered worthless salvage. The proposed new rules will also replace obsolete language found in the current rules proposed for repeal as Title 1, TAC, Chapter 126, §§126.1 - 126.5, and are published simultaneously in this publication of the Texas Register for repeal.

Mr. Bill Sullivan, Deputy Executive Director of Programs, has determined for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be positive fiscal implications which will result in cost savings to the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering these new rules.

Mr. Bill Sullivan, Deputy Executive Director of Programs, further determines that for each year of the first five-year period the new rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing these rules will be an increase of cost savings to the state and the development of guidelines for the more efficient disposal of surplus and salvage property. There will be no effect on large, small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with these rules and there is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted to Juliet King, Legal Counsel, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, P.O. Box 13047, Austin, Texas 78711-3047. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal to the Texas Register .

The new rules are proposed under the authority of the Texas Government Code, §§2152.003, 2175.001, 2175.061, 2175.065, 2175.129, and 2175.130 which provides the Texas Building and Procurement Commission with the authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement the sections.

The following codes are affected by these rules: Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapter 2175, Subchapters A, B, C, and D; Agriculture Code, §74.1011; Government Code, §2308.253; and the Education Code, Chapter 32, Subchapter C.

§126.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Assistance organization--

(A) a nonprofit organization that provides educational, health, or human services or assistance to homeless individuals; or

(B) a nonprofit food bank that solicits, warehouses, and distributes edible but unmarketable food to agencies that feed needy families and individuals; or

(C) Texas Partners of the Americas, a registered agency with the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid, with the approval of the Partners of the Alliance office of the Agency for International Development; or

(D) a group, including a faith-based group, that enters into a financial or non-financial agreement with a health or human services agency to provide services to that agency's clients; or

(E) a non profit organization approved by the Supreme Court of Texas that provides free legal services for low-income households in civil matters; or

(F) The Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation Inc., or an entity designated by the commissioner of agriculture as the foundation's successor entity under §74.1011, Agriculture Code; or

(G) a local workforce development board created under §2308.253 of the Texas Government Code.

(2) Certificate of Acquisition--A form prescribed by the commission that verifies the qualifications of a qualified assistance organization or political subdivision as an entity entitled to receive state surplus or salvage property.

(3) Data processing equipment--Equipment as defined by Texas Government Code, §2054.003 to be information technology equipment and related services designed for the automated storage, manipulation, and retrieval of data by electronic or mechanical means to include:

(A) central processing units, front-end processing units, miniprocessors, microprocessors, and related peripheral equipment such as data storage devices, document scanners, data entry equipment, terminal controllers, data terminal equipment, computer-based word processing systems other than memory typewriters, and equipment and systems for computer networks;

(B) all related services, including feasibility studies, systems design, software development, and time-sharing services, provided by state employees or others; and

(C) the programs and routines used to employ and control the capabilities of data processing hardware, including operating systems, compilers, assemblers, utilities, library routines, maintenance routines, applications, and computer networking programs.

(4) Personal property--property that is lawfully confiscated and subject to disposal by a state agency. Personal property affixed to real property may be sold as surplus or salvage property if its removal and disposition is for a lawful purpose under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2175, Subchapter C or another law.

(5) Method of payment--A cashier's check, certified check, a money order, or any other approved method of purchase at the time of sale is acceptable payment under this section.

(6) Political subdivision--Each political subdivision of the state and volunteer fire departments.

(7) Salvage property--Any personal property which through use, time, or accident is so depleted, worn out, damaged, used, or consumed that it has no value for the purpose for which it was originally intended.

(8) State agency--

(A) a department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the executive branch of state government created by the state constitution or a state statute;

(B) the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a court of appeals, or the Texas Judicial Council;

(C) the Texas Civil Air Patrol; and

(D) excluding those entities in Texas Government Code, §§2175.301, 2175.302, 2175.304.

(9) Surplus property--Personal property that exceeds a state agency's needs and is not required for the agency's foreseeable needs; including used or new property that retains some usefulness for the purpose for which it was intended or for another purpose.

§126.2.General Terms and Conditions.

General terms and conditions of this subchapter are as follows:

(1) Method of disposal. A state agency that determines that it has surplus property or salvage property shall inform the commission and the comptroller of the property's kind, number, location, condition, original cost or value, and date of acquisition. Additionally, based on the condition of the property, a state agency shall determine whether the property is:

(A) surplus property that should be offered for transfer under §2175.125 of the Texas Government Code and §126.3 of this title (relating to Direct Transfer, Priority, Reporting, and other Disposition); or

(B) should be disposed of by competitive bidding, auction or direct sale under §126.4 of this title (relating to Disposition of Surplus and Salvage Property to the Public by Competitive Bidding, Auction, or Direct Sale); or is

(C) salvage property.

(D) A state agency making this determination shall inform the commission and the comptroller of its determination.

(2) Notice of availability. The commission shall maintain a list of current surplus or salvage property and inform other state agencies, political subdivisions, and assistance organizations of the comptroller's website that lists such property that is available for sale.

(3) Priority for transfer to state agency. During the ten (10) business days after property is posted on the comptroller's website, a transfer to another state agency has priority over any other type of transfer under this subchapter.

(4) Disposition of surplus or salvage data processing equipment. Data processing equipment from state agencies, institutions of higher education, or eleemosynary institutions if not disposed of under in accordance with the Texas Government Code, §2175.125 or other law, shall be transferred by the state agency or institution to a school district or open-enrollment charter school in this state under Subchapter C, Chapter 32, of the Education Code, or to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The state agency or institution may not collect a fee or other reimbursement from the district, the school, or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the surplus or salvage data processing equipment. Pursuant to Texas Government Code, §2175.305, the Secretary of State shall give preference to transferring surplus computer equipment to counties for the purpose of improving voter registration technology in compliance with the Election Code, §18.063.

(5) Purchaser's fee. The commission or agency disposing of surplus or salvage property under this subchapter shall assess and collect from the purchaser a fee over and above the proceeds from the sale of property, to recover the costs associated with the sale of property. The fee shall be set and reviewed annually by the commission and shall be at least two percent (2%) but not more than twelve percent (12%) of the sale proceeds. Property disposed of by direct transfer under §126.3 of this title (relating to Direct Transfer, Priority, Reporting, and other Disposition) is not subject to the purchaser's fee.

(6) Delegation of authority to state agency. If a state agency demonstrates to the commission its ability to dispose of its own surplus or salvage property to the public in a manner that results in cost savings to the state, the commission may authorize the agency to do so. The agency shall follow procedures provided by the commission at the time the delegation is granted and shall provide a report of the proceeds by assigned sale number no later than September 10th of each year for the prior fiscal year.

(A) Delegation of authority will be based on receipt of and concurrence by the commission of the agency's projection of cost savings to the state.

(B) Criteria used to delegate authority to a state agency demonstrating cost savings to the state may include information about the property such as age, condition, limited use, size, volume, expected return and/or location; information about the agency such as its ability to account for and report staffing, disposals, location, and/or specific knowledge about the property.

(7) Delegation of deletion authority to state agencies. The commission hereby delegates to state agencies the authority to delete surplus or salvage property from the State Property Accounting System after any method of disposition listed under this subchapter.

(8) Firearms. The purchaser of a surplus firearm must be a licensed firearm dealer.

(9) Rejection of bids. The state reserves the right to reject any bid or part of a bid, and or waive minor technicalities.

(10) List of buyers. The commission shall maintain an annually updated list of qualified buyers of surplus and salvage property. The commission shall renew annually a list it maintains of

(A) assistance organizations and individuals responsible for purchasing for political subdivisions who have requested information regarding available state surplus or salvage property; and

(B) other prospective buyers of surplus and salvage property.

(C) Names may be deleted from lists maintained by the commission for failure to bid, failure to make a payment or failure to remove awarded items.

(D) A buyer who has been removed from the buyers list for failure to make a payment or to remove surplus or salvage property may not reinstated to the list until a written request has been presented to and approved by the commission.

§126.3.Direct Transfer, Priority, Reporting, and other Disposition.

(a) Disposition of state surplus and salvage property by direct transfer. During the ten (10) business days after surplus or salvage property is posted on the Comptroller's website, a state agency, political subdivision, or assistance organization may coordinate directly with the reporting state agency for a transfer of property at a price established by the reporting agency.

(b) Priority of claim.

(1) The first state agency, political subdivision or assistance organization that agrees to the established price before the expiration of ten (10) business days shall be entitled to the property provided, however, a state agency shall have first priority over all other entities.

(2) In the event two competing and equivalent requests are received from parties of equal standing the commission in coordination with the reporting agency shall award the property in the best interests of the state and the reporting agency. Two or more requests shall be considered "competing and equivalent" for purposes of this rule if each meets the price established by the reporting state agency on the same business day, and within the ten (10) business day period following posting on the comptroller's website.

(c) Reporting requirements.

(1) Reporting by state agencies. If a transfer is made to a state agency, the participating agencies shall report the transaction to the comptroller as provided by law. The comptroller shall then debit and credit the proper appropriations within the systems maintained by the comptroller.

(2) Reporting by other entities. A political subdivision or assistance organization acquiring surplus or salvage property from a state agency must in conjunction with the state agency complete a "Certificate of Acquisition". A political subdivision or assistance organization must certify its qualification and an assistance organization must additionally provide documentation as required. "Certificate of Acquisition" is to be retained by the state agency and documentation of the transaction is to be entered into the Comptroller's State Property Accounting System.

(d) Other disposition. If a direct transfer of the property is not arranged within ten (10) business days after the posting of the property on the comptroller's website in subsection (a)(1) of this section, the commission shall, with the exception of data processing equipment, dispose of the surplus or salvage property to the public in accordance with §126.4 of this title (relating to Disposition of Surplus and Salvage Property to the Public by Competitive Bidding, Auction, or Direct Sale).

§126.4.Disposition of Surplus and Salvage Property to the Public by Competitive Bidding, Auction, or Direct Sale.

(a) Generally. If no state agency, political subdivision, or assistance organization desires to receive any property reported as surplus or salvage, the commission may dispose of the property, with the exception of data processing equipment, in a method that is most advantageous to the state and the reporting agency under the circumstances. Commission procedures shall establish guidelines for making this determination.

(1) Disposal. Property not disposed of under §126.3 of this title (relating to Direct Transfer, Priority, Reporting, and other Disposition) may be disposed of by sealed bids, auction, or direct sale to the public, including a sale using an internet auction site.

(2) Delegation of disposal authority. The commission may delegate its authority to dispose of property not disposed of under §126.3 of this title to a state agency having possession of the property by any method listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection, so long as the method of sale chosen is most advantageous to the state under the circumstances. Commission procedures shall establish guidelines for making this determination. Any delegation under this section shall be subject to the procedures and reporting requirements in §126.2(6) of this title (relating to General Terms and Conditions).

(3) Requirement to advertise. If the value of any property to be disposed of under this section is estimated to be worth more than $5,000, the sale shall be advertised at least one time in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the vicinity in which the property is located.

(b) Disposition by competitive sealed bids. Sealed bids will be handled in accordance with §113.5 of this title (relating to Bid Submission, Bid Opening, and Tabulation).

(1) Bid deposits. When a bid deposit is required, the deposit must be in the amount specified in the bid invitation. Only the following will be considered as meeting the bid deposit requirements: a cashier's check, a certified check, a money order, or cash in the amount specified in the bid invitation. Failure to include a bid deposit in the proper amount will automatically disqualify a bid.

(2) Notice of award. The commission will notify the successful bidder or bidders, on a sealed bid sale of surplus or salvage property, that an award has been made to them and specify a period of time for payment. In the event that a successful bidder fails to make payment within the specified time, the commission may retain the bid deposit and consider it forfeited. Furthermore, the bidder forfeits his rights to the property and ownership of the property remains with the state.

(3) Transfer of property and forfeiture. When a successful bidder has paid the full amount due for the purchase of surplus or salvage property obtained through a sealed bid sale, the commission shall notify both the successful bidder and the agency holding the title of the surplus or salvage and authorize the transfer of possession. In the case of vehicles or other items which require title transfer, it shall be the responsibility of the agency holding title to complete the transfer of title to the successful bidder. In the event a bidder pays for the property but fails to remove the property within the time specified, the bidder forfeits his rights to the property and ownership of the property reverts to the state.

(c) Disposition by live auctions. Surplus or salvage sold through the live auction method shall be accompanied by an auctioneer's paid receipt. The auctioneer's paid receipt will serve as the authorization of the commission that the purchaser has in good faith complied with the conditions of the sale. In the case of vehicles or other items carrying titles, the agency holding the original title shall be responsible for the transfer to the successful bidder. In the event that a successful bidder fails to make payment or remove the property within the specified time, the bidder forfeits his rights to the property and ownership of the property remains with the state.

(d) Disposition by direct sale to the public.

(1) Generally. If the commission or a state agency which has been delegated authority under subsection (a)(2) of this section or under §126.2(6), determines that selling the property by competitive sealed bid or auction, would not maximize the resale value of property to the state, the commission or state agency may sell surplus or salvage property directly to the public.

(2) Fixed price. The commission, in cooperation with the state agency that declared the property as salvage or surplus, or a state agency which has delegated authority under subsection (a)(2) of this section or under §126.2(6) of this title shall set a fixed price for the property.

(3) Location and method of direct sales. Direct sales operations may be conducted at designated state facilities or warehouses approved by the Commission, or by Internet auction.

(A) Access. The general public and assistance organizations will have equal access.

(B) Payment. A purchaser under this section must pay for the property by an approved method at the time sale and prior to obtaining possession or actual title to the property.

(C) Forfeiture. In the event a purchaser pays for property but fails to remove it with the time specified at sale, the purchaser forfeits any ownership rights and subsequently, ownership reverts to the state without recourse.

(D) Internet auction. The commission may contract with one or more commercial Internet auction sites for sale of state surplus or salvage property. Property on the Internet auction site shall be posted for at least ten (10) calendar days.

(e) Disposition of property with no resale value (salvage). If the commission or a state agency with delegated authority under subsection (a)(2) of this section or under §126.2(6) of this title does not dispose of property under another method in this subchapter, and has advertised the property for sale and received no bids, or has determined that the property has no resale value, the agency may delete the property on the State Property Accounting System and dispose of the property in a manner that best serves the interests of the state in accordance with Government Code, §2175.193.

(f) Purchaser's title. A purchaser of surplus or salvage property at a sale conducted under this section obtains good title to the property if the purchaser in good faith has complied with all the terms and conditions of the sale.

(g) Reporting of sale.

(1) On a sale by the commission of any property under this section, the commission shall report the property sold and the sales price to the agency that declared the property surplus or salvage.

(2) The commission or a state agency with delegated authority under this subchapter shall report the sale and the amount of the sale proceeds to the comptroller. The comptroller by law shall remove the property from the State Property Accounting System.

§126.5.Proceeds.

The proceeds from the sale of any surplus or salvage property, less the costs of advertising, selling, auctioneer services, if any, and any fee collected under §126.2(5) of this title (relating to General Terms and Conditions), shall be deposited to the credit of the item of appropriation to the agency for which the sale was made. The portion of the proceeds from the sale of any surplus or salvage property equal to the costs of advertising, the sale and the costs of auctioneer services, if any, shall be deposited with the Comptroller of Public Accounts to the credit of the item of appropriation to the commission from which such costs were expended. The fee collected under §126.2(5) of this title shall be deposited with the Comptroller of Public Accounts to the credit of the general revenue fund.

§126.6.Purchase of Chairs.

(a) The commission shall determine the fair market value of the chair which an appointed or elected official or executive head of an executive or legislative agency other than the legislature used during his or her tenure of service and which the official desires to purchase upon vacation of office or termination of service.

(b) The property manager of the state agency shall submit the following information about the chair to the commission:

(1) acquisition date;

(2) original cost;

(3) inventory number;

(4) description of chair including brand and model number;

(5) current condition;

(6) current estimated value; and

(7) name of the appointed or elected official or executive head of the state agency and the date of vacation of office or termination of service.

(c) The commission will determine the fair market value of the chair an notify in writing the property manager of the state agency requesting the determination. Upon payment of the determined fair market value of the chair, the property manager may transfer the chair to the state official and remove the chair from any inventory of personal property.

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 March 1, 2002.

TRD-200201287

Juliet King

Legal Counsel

Texas Building and Procurement Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-3960


Part 10. DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES

Chapter 201. PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES TECHNOLOGIES

1 TAC §201.12

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Department of Information Resources or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Department of Information Resources (department) proposes to repeal §201.12, concerning state web sites. Simultaneous with the publication of the proposed repeal, the department is proposing new §206.1, concerning definitions applicable to state web sites; new §206.2, concerning accessibility and usability of state web sites; new §206.3, concerning privacy and security of state web sites; new §206.4, concerning state web site link and privacy policy; and new §206.5, linking and indexing of state web sites.

Mr. Mel Mireles, director of the Enterprise Operations Division, has determined that for each year of the first five years after repeal of the rule, there will be no cost for state government as a result of such repeal. Mr. Mireles does not anticipate either a loss of, or increase in, revenues to state or local government as a result of the proposed repeal. There will be no fiscal implications for local government as a result of repealing §201.12.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no additional anticipated economic cost to persons as a result of adoption of the repeal. The public benefit of repeal of the rule is to clarify the department's rules by having the state web site rules located in only one chapter, rather than in two chapters. It is necessary to repeal §201.12 to relocate the state web site rules to new chapter 206.

Comments on the proposed repeal may be submitted to Renee Mauzy, General Counsel, Department of Information Resources, via mail to P.O. Box 13564, Austin, Texas 78711, or electronically to renee.mauzy@dir.state.tx.us no later than 5:00 p.m. CST within 30 days after publication.

Repeal of §201.12 is proposed under Texas Government Code §2054.052(a), which provides the department may adopt rules as necessary to implement its responsibilities.

Texas Government Code §2054.051 is affected by the proposed repeal.

§201.12. State Web Sites.

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 February 26, 2002.

TRD-200201181

Renee Mauzy

General Counsel

Department of Information Resources

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4750


Chapter 206. STATE WEB SITES

1 TAC §§206.1 - 206.5

The Department of Information Resources (department) proposes new §206.1, web site definitions; §206.2, accessibility and usability of state web sites; §206.3, privacy and security of state web sites; §206.4, state web site link and privacy policy; and §206.5, linking and indexing of state web sites. Simultaneous with publication of these proposed rules, the department is proposing the repeal of §201.12, state web sites so that all state web site rules are transferred from chapter 201 to chapter 206 of Title 1.

Proposed §206.1 contains the definitions applicable within chapter 206. The section contains many of the definitions from the department's state web site rule located in §201.12. It also contains new definitions of "accessible," "accessibility policy," "Compact with Texans," "link policy," "open records/Public Information Act notice," "usability," "web bug," and "web page." Proposed §206.1 also amends the definitions in existing §201.12 of "generally accessible Internet site," "privacy and security policy," "Texas home page" and "transaction payment information." Proposed §206.1 deletes the definitions found in existing §201.12 of "alt tags," "historical document," and "IETF." The purpose of the changes is to clarify the terms used in the state web site rules.

Proposed §206.2 requires state agencies to develop and publish an accessibility policy for their web sites or pages that complies with certain standards. It also requires that the agency's home page and key public entry points include an accessibility link to a web page containing the agency's accessibility, policy, site validation, contact information for the agency's accessibility coordinator and a link to the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities web site. The purpose of this section is provide accessibility of state agency web sites to users.

Proposed §206.3 requires each state agency to publish a privacy and security policy applicable to its web site. Existing §201.12(b)(1)(D) required publication of only a privacy policy. In addition to the requirements carried over from existing §201.12, proposed §206.3(a) requires the privacy and security policy to address options concerning whether personal information collected from individuals may be used for purposes beyond the purposes for which the information was provided, whether the individual wishes to have that information shared, how the individual may obtain, or have corrected, the information about him or her held by the state agency and the procedures that ensure the information collected from individuals is accurate and secure from unauthorized use. Proposed §206.3(b) requires that web pages designed for children comply with federal and state laws intended to protect minors. Proposed §206.3(c) requires state agencies to conduct transaction risk assessments and implement appropriate privacy and security safeguards before providing access to information or services on a state web site that require user identification. Certain information must be protected by a secure socket layer session or equivalent technology to encrypt the data. Proposed §206.3(d) provides that any web-based forms that request information from the public must link to the associated privacy and security policy. Certain of the changes proposed in this section result from enactment of HB 2589 and HB 1922, 77th legislature.

As required by HB 2589 and HB 1922, 77th legislature, proposed §206.4 establishes a state web site link and privacy policy that contains the requirements for linking to state agency web sites, provides for protection of the privacy rights of individuals by non-judiciary state governmental bodies, and specifies certain web site requirements applicable to all state agencies.

Proposed §206.5 sets forth descriptive page title and meta tag requirements applicable to state publications as well as certain link requirements.

Mr. Mel Mireles, director of the Enterprise Operations Division, has determined that for each year of the first five years after adoption of the proposed rules, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of adoption of the rules. He does not anticipate either a loss of, or increase in, revenues to state or local government as a result of the propose rules.

There will be no effect on small businesses and no additional anticipated economic cost to persons as a result of adoption of the proposed rules. The public benefit of adoption of the rules is greater protection of individuals' privacy, increased state agency web site accessibility by individuals and a reduced chance of public confusion associated with linking of site owners to state agency web sites.

Comments on the proposed new §§206.1-206.5 may be submitted to Renee Mauzy, General Counsel, Department of Information Resources, via mail to P.O. Box 13564, Austin, Texas 78711, or electronically to renee.mauzy@dir.state.tx.us no later than 5:00 p.m. CST within 30 days after publication.

The new rules are proposed pursuant to Texas Government Code §2054.052(a) which provides the department may adopt rules as necessary to implement its responsibilities under the Information Resources Management Act, Texas Government Code §559.002 and §559.003, enacted in HB 1922, 77th legislature, which provide for a right to notice about certain information laws and practices and the right to correct incorrect information held by state agencies and Texas Government Code §2054.121, enacted HB 2589, 77th legislature, which requires the department to adopt a state web site linking policy.

Texas Government Code §§559.002, 559.003 and 2054.121 are affected by the proposed rules.

§206.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used with this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Accessible -- A Web page that can be used in a variety of ways and that does not depend on a single sense or ability.

(2) Accessibility Policy -- An agency's policies to ensure that access to its information, services, and programs are accessible, usable, understandable and navigable.

(3) Agency contact information -- a list of key personnel and/or position or program contacts, including public contact telephone numbers, general e-mail address, and other information deemed necessary by the agency for facilitating public access.

(4) Compact With Texans -- Agency customer service standards and performance measures as required by Section 2113.006 Government Code.

(5) Generally accessible Internet site -- A state Web site that provides for graceful transformation, and making content understandable and navigable. Additional information and resources are included in the accessibility-usability guidelines available at http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11-accessibility.htm

(6) Home page -- The initial page or entry point to a state Web site.

(7) HTML -- HyperText Markup Language.

(8) Internet -- the network of interconnected networks employing standards published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

(9) Key public entry point -- A Web page that a state agency has specifically designed for members of the general public to access official information (e.g., the governing or authoritative documents) from the agency.

(10) Link Policy -- State Web Site Link and Privacy Policy that identifies the terms under which a person may use, copy information from, or link to a generally accessible Internet site for a state agency. The state policy is in §206.4 and will be available at http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/link_policy.htm for state agencies to links.

(11) Logging software and cookies -- Particular methods employed for the purpose of tracking visitors to Web sites. The information collected for analysis can include where the request came from, time, pages visited, and identifiable information about the visitor.

(12) Open Records/Public Information Act notice -- An agency's policies and practices for providing public access to governmental information and decisions.

(13) Privacy and Security Policy -- a statement about what information is collected by an agency Web site, how the information will be used and protected, under what conditions the information may be shared or released to another party, and the procedure under which an individual is entitled to receive and/or correct information that an agency maintains about the individual.

(14) State Web site -- a state agency-owned, -operated by/or for, or -funded Web site connected to the Internet, including a state agency's home page and any key public entry points.

(15) SSN -- Social Security Number.

(16) SSL -- Secure Sockets Layer; The Internet security standard for point-to-point, encrypted connections between Web servers and client browsers.

(17) Statewide Search -- a link to the TRAIL Web site.

(18) TCP/IP -- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; a suite of protocols developed by the IETF and published as Request for Comments (RFCs).

(19) Texas home page -- http://www.state.tx.us or its successor as identified in the guidelines available at http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11.htm.

(20) TRAIL -- Texas Records and Information Locator or its successor. Additional information is available at http://www.tsl.state.tx.us.

(21) Transaction payment information -- bank account and routing number, credit, debit, charge, or other forms of card-based, access device number, and/or Internet based, payment systems. Access device means a card, plate, code, account number, personal identification number, electronic serial number, mobile identification number, or other telecommunications service, equipment, or instrument identifier or means of account access that alone or in conjunction with another access device may be used to:

(A) obtain money, goods, services, or another thing of value; or

(B) initiate a transfer of funds other than a transfer originated solely by paper instrument.

(22) Transaction Risk Assessment -- An evaluation of the security and privacy required for an interactive Web session providing public access to government information and services. Additional information and guidelines are available at http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11.htm

(23) Usability -- Web design criteria that focuses on user performance, ease of navigation, is understandable and is visually appealing.

(24) W3C -- World Wide Web Consortium. Additional information and copies of the current standards and recommendations are available at http://www.w3.org.

(25) Web bug -- code used to track and/or report information about a visitor to a Web page, or used in an e-mail message. Also known as a Web Beacon or Clear GIF.

(26) Web page -- A document that a state agency has specifically designed for people to access the official information (e.g., the governing or authoritative documents) from the agency via the Internet.

§206.2.Accessibility and Usability of State Web Sites.

(a) All state agencies shall develop and publish an accessibility policy for their Web site and/or Web pages that addresses the following:

(1) At least one copy of an agency Web page, whether static or dynamic, must be in an accessible format.

(2) State Web sites shall meet the definition of a generally accessible Internet site, and ensure that Web pages transform gracefully and remain accessible despite any physical, sensory, or environmental constraints or technological barriers.

(3) State Web sites shall avoid vendor specific "non-standard" extensions and comply with Internet and W3C standards. The policy should cover testing and validation of Web pages.

(4) State Web sites are designed with consideration for the types of Internet connections available to the citizens of Texas, and undergo accessibility and usability testing.

(b) The home page of a state Web site, and key public entry points, shall include an "Accessibility" link to a Web page that contains the agency's accessibility policy, site validation (e.g., W3C), contact information for the agency's accessibility coordinator, and a link to the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities Web site.

§206.3.Privacy and Security of State Web Sites.

(a) A state agency shall publish a privacy and security policy for its Web site, and post a link to the policy from its home page. The privacy and security policy shall address the following:

(1) Notice: Disclose the agency's information practices before collecting personal information from the public. The use of logging software, cookies, and/or Web bugs. Information collected by other technologies and processes. Information collected via e-mail and Web-based forms.

(2) Choice: Options with respect to how personal information collected from them may be used for purposes beyond those for which the information was provided and whether they wish to have that information shared.

(3) Access: The procedure under which an individual may obtain and/or have the agency correct information about the individual.

(4) Security: The procedures to ensure that information collected from individuals is accurate and secure from unauthorized use.

(b) Web pages designed for children must comply with all applicable federal and state laws intended to protect minors.

(c) Prior to providing access to information or services on a state Web site that require user identification, each state agency shall conduct a transaction risk assessment, and implement appropriate privacy and security safeguards. At a minimum, state Web sites that require an individual to enter the following information shall use an SSL session or equivalent technology to encrypt the data:

(1) Both the individual's name and other personal information, such as an SSN;

(2) Transaction payment information;

(3) An individual's access identification code and password.

(4) An individual's e-mail address.

(d) Any Web based form that requests information from the public shall have a link to the associated privacy and security policy.

§206.4.State Web Site Link and Privacy Policy.

The following outlines the policies for linking to, the use of, or copying information from State of Texas agency Web sites and protecting the personal information of members of the public who access state agency information through a state agency Web site. It also requires that state agencies link to the policy.

(1) Requirements Applicable to Those Linking to State Agency Web Sites

(A) Linking to State Agency Web Sites Organizations and individuals (the site owner) are encouraged to link to state agency information. Advance permission is not required before linking. Links should be made using the appropriate base URL of www.agency-identifier.state.tx.us or such other URL as the agency may use. Because state agencies may change subpages at any time without notice, the site owner should routinely verify links to state agency subpages.

(B) What Site Owners May Not Do in Linking to State Agency Web Sites Site owners may not capture state agency pages within the site owner's frames, present state agency Web site content as that of the site owner, otherwise misrepresent the content of the state agency pages or misinform users about the origin or ownership of the content of the state agency Web site. Any link to a state agency site should be a full forward link that passes the client browser to the state agency site unencumbered. The BACK button should return the visitor to the site owner's site if the visitor wishes to back out. Although the content of state agency Web sites is available to the public, certain information on some state agency Web sites may be trademarked, service marked, or otherwise protected as the state agency's intellectual property, and all agency content is protected by federal copyright laws. Use of protected intellectual property must be in accordance with federal and state law and must reflect the copyright, trademark, service mark or other intellectual property ownership of the state agency. Site owners should not link to individual state agency graphics or tables within state agency pages, especially in an effort to place the downloading burden on the state agency servers. Such an action may be considered a misuse of state resources. Site owners should contact the appropriate state agency to request permission to use a copy of the state agency's graphics within the site owner's pages.

(C) Accessibility Owners of sites linked to state agency pages shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities may access these sites.

(D) Copying and Use of Information by Web Site Owners Linking to State Agency Sites Other than Universities The information posted on a state agency Web site may be copied so long as it is presented in a non-misleading way and does not imply that either the site owner or the information, as it is presented on the site owner's Web site, is endorsed by the State. Use of the information must identify the state agency that is the source of the information, its Web address, the date the information was copied from the state agency's Web site by the site owner and must be accompanied by a statement that neither the site owner nor the information, as it is presented on the site owner's Web site, is endorsed by the State or any state agency. A state agency may not charge a fee to access, use or reproduce information on its Web site or to link to information on its Web site, unless specifically authorized to do so by the Texas Legislature. To protect the intellectual property of state agencies, copied information must reflect the copyright, trademark, service mark or other intellectual property rights of the state agency whose protected information is being used by the site owner.

(E) Copying and Use of Information by Web Site Owners Linking to University Web Sites Much of the information posted on University Web sites is owned by the individual who posts it rather than by the University, pursuant to the Universities' Intellectual Property Policies. Whether information is owned by the University or by an individual, permission should be obtained from the content owner for any use beyond Fair Use. Such materials may only be used in accordance with any limitations requested by the owner.

(F) Links From a State Agency Web Site A state agency that only provides links to other state agencies and Universities will post a link to this State Web Site Link and Privacy Policy. A state agency that provides links to private Web sites shall publish a linking policy that includes its standards and criteria for linking to the private Web site. State agencies are strongly encouraged to publish a disclaimer policy that specifically disclaims liability and responsibility for private Web site content. State agencies that link to private Web sites will post a link to this State Web Site Link and Privacy Policy from the Web page that identifies their specific policies.

(2) Protection of the Privacy Rights of Individuals by Non-Judiciary State Governmental Bodies

(A) Under Texas law, Chapter 559, Texas Government Code, unless a state governmental body, other than a state governmental body that is part of the judiciary, is allowed to withhold requested information from an individual pursuant to Chapter 552, Texas Government Code (the Texas Public Information Act), the individual is entitled to be informed about information collected by the state governmental body about that individual.

(B) Each non-judiciary state governmental body that collects information about an individual by means of a form that the individual completes and files with the state governmental body in a paper format or in an electronic format on an Internet site shall prominently state, on the paper form and prominently post on the state governmental body's Internet site in connection with the electronic form, that:

(i) with few exceptions, the individual is entitled on request to be informed about the information that the state governmental body collects about the individual;

(ii) the individual is entitled to receive and review the information; and

(iii) the individual is entitled to have the state governmental body correct incorrect information about the individual.

(C) Each non-judiciary state governmental body that collects information about an individual by means of an Internet site or that collects information about the computer network location or identity of a user of the Internet site shall prominently post on the state governmental body's Internet site:

(i) what information is being collected through the site about the individual; and

(ii) what information is being collected through the site about the computer network location or identity of a user of the state governmental body's Internet site, including what information is being collected by means that are not obvious.

(D) Each non-judiciary state governmental body must establish a reasonable procedure under which individuals may have incorrect information about them that is held by the state governmental body corrected. The correction procedure may not unduly burden the individual seeking to have information corrected.

(E) Each non-judiciary state governmental body shall identify its information collection practices and post that information in its Internet site privacy and security policy. The e-mail addresses of members of the public that are provided to non-judiciary state governmental bodies for electronic communication with state governmental bodies are confidential and may not be disclosed by state governmental bodies unless the affected member of the public affirmatively consents to the disclosure of his or her e-mail address.

(3) Requirements Applicable to State Agencies

(A) With the exception of confidential information, information protected by laws designed to protect an individual's privacy interests, and information not subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, state agencies are encouraged to post information on the Internet, in an accessible format. Information about the design and posting of information on state Web sites is available at http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11.htm.

(B) State agencies may not sell or release the e-mail addresses of members of the public that have been provided to communicate electronically with a government body without the affirmative consent of the affected member of the public.

§206.5.Linking and Indexing State Web Sites .

(a) All new or changed HTML documents on a state agency Web site that meet the criteria of a "state publication" as defined by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission shall include a descriptive page title and the following meta tags:

(1) Description - brief description of the subjects covered.

(2) Keywords - specific to the page subject, and should not exceed 25 words.

(3) Author - State of Texas, agency name, and/or other identifying information as set by the agency.

(b) The home page of a state Web site shall incorporate TRAIL metadata and shall:

(1) Provide links to the following State of Texas resources:

(A) Texas home page;

(B) Link Policy;

(C) Statewide Search.

(2) Provide links to the following agency information:

(A) Privacy and Security policy;

(B) Accessibility policy;

(C) Agency contact information;

(D) Description of the agency's Open Records/Public Information Act policy/procedures

(E) Compact With Texans.

(c) All key public entry points shall provide links to the following:

(1) Agency contact information;

(2) Agency home page;

(3) Accessibility policy;

(4) Privacy and Security policy.

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 February 26, 2002.

TRD-200201182

Renee Mauzy

General Counsel

Department of Information Resources

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4750


Part 15. TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

Chapter 351. COORDINATED PLANNING AND DELIVERY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

1 TAC §§351.17, 351.19, 351.21, 351.23

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes to add to Chapter 351, Coordinated Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services, new §351.17, Right to Correct Incorrect Personal Information; §351.19, Requesting a Correction of Personal Information; § 351.21, Where to Send a Request for Correction of Personal Information; and §351.23, Review of Requests for Correction of Personal Information. The proposed sections establish procedures by which individuals may request correction of information collected about an individual ("personal information") by the HHSC and the process the HHSC will use to review such requests.

Background and Summary of Factual Basis for the Rules

The 77th Texas Legislature enacted House Bill 1922, which added Chapter 559, "State Government Privacy Policies," to the Texas Government Code. This provision requires the HHSC to establish reasonable procedures by which an individual may request the correction of personal information collected by the HHSC. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Chapter 351 is to inform the public about the right to correct incorrect personal information and to adopt such procedures.

Section-by-Section Summary

Section 351.17 establishes an individual's right to ask the HHSC to correct information the HHSC has collected about the individual. Section 351.19 sets forth the requirements for submitting written requests for correction of personal information and explains that the HHSC may, in certain situations, seek clarification of the correction request. Section 351.21 tells individuals where to send correction requests. Finally, Section 351.23 sets forth the process the HHSC will use to review requests for correction of personal information.

Public Benefit

The HHSC has determined that during the first five years that the proposed rules are in effect, the public will benefit from adoption of the rules in that the rules will establish the right to request correction of personal information, explain how to make a correction request, and set forth the process the HHSC will use to review such requests.

Fiscal Note

Don Green, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for the first five years that the proposed rules are in effect, there will be no foreseeable economic implications relating to the costs or revenues of the state or local governments.

Small and Micro-business Impact Analysis

The proposed rules will not result in additional costs to persons required to comply with the rules and will not negatively affect local employment.

Regulatory Analysis

The HHSC has determined that none of the proposed rules is a "major environmental rule" as defined by §2001.0225, Government Code. "Major environmental rule" is defined to mean a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. None of the proposed rules is specifically intended to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure.

Takings Impact Assessment

The HHSC has evaluated the takings impact of the proposed rules under Texas Government Code, §2007.043. The HHSC has determined that this action does not restrict or limit an owner's right to their property that would otherwise exist in the absence of governmental action and therefore does not constitute a taking. The proposed rules are administrative and do not impose any new regulatory requirements. The proposed rules are reasonably taken to fulfill requirements of state law.

Public Comment

Public comment may be submitted in writing to Connie Gilkey, Records Manager/Coordinator, Health and Human Services Commission, by mail addressed to 4900 North Lamar Boulevard, 4th Floor, Austin, Texas 78751-2316, or email at Connie.Gilkey@HHSC.state.tx.us, or by facsimile to (512) 424-6586. Comments must be submitted in writing by 5:00 p.m., Central Time, April 15, 2002.

Legal Authority

These rules are proposed under authority granted to the HHSC by section 531.033, Government Code, which authorizes the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to adopt rules necessary to implement the Health and Human Services Commission's duties, and under section 62.051(d), Health and Safety Code, which directs the HHSC to adopt rules as necessary to implement the Children's Health Insurance Program. No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed rules.

§351.17.Right to Correct Incorrect Personal Information.

(a) An individual may ask the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to correct information HHSC collects about that individual (personal information).

(b) HHSC will review the request and decide, in accordance with this chapter, if the information should be corrected.

(c) This chapter does not apply when there are other requirements that an individual give HHSC updated and corrected information or when HHSC has another applicable change process. Also, individuals are encouraged to use other informal processes such as telephone calls, in-person discussion, and email to correct information.

§351.19.Requesting a Correction of Personal Information.

(a) A request to correct information collected about an individual must be in writing and must:

(1) identify the individual requesting the correction,

(2) identify the information to be corrected,

(3) state why the information is incorrect,

(4) include any evidence that shows the information is incorrect,

(5) state what correction is requested; and

(6) include a return address, telephone number or email address at which the individual can be contacted.

(b) If the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) cannot identify the individual, locate the information in question, or determine what correction is requested, HHSC may contact the individual to clarify the request. If HHSC cannot clarify the request, the request will be denied.

§351.21.Where to Send a Request for Correction of Personal Information.

(a) Individuals must send requests for corrections of personal information to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) division that originally collected the information in question.

(b) Individuals who do not know where to send a request should send it to HHSC's Records Manager/Coordinator at 4900 North Lamar Boulevard, 4th Floor, Austin, Texas 78751-2316.

§351.23.Review of Requests for Correction of Personal Information.

(a) The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will decide whether information collected about an individual should be corrected. HHSC will notify the individual of the decision in writing within 60 days of the receipt of the request for correction. HHSC may extend this period for an additional 30 days. The HHSC will notify the individual of the extension in writing.

(b) Records may not be destroyed or altered to make a correction. HHSC will add the correct information to the record with the incorrect information and make a notation that the correct information supercedes the incorrect information.

(c) HHSC will not review information as provided in this chapter if HHSC previously reviewed the information to determine its accuracy under a different review process. Examples of other review processes include personnel grievance hearings, client fair hearings, formal appeals, informal dispute resolution, and informal reconsideration.

(d) If HHSC receives a request for correction from a person other than the individual who is the subject of the information, HHSC will not correct the information unless the subject of the information agrees the earlier information is incorrect or HHSC can independently determine the information is incorrect.

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 March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201315

Marina S. Henderson

Executive Deputy Commissioner

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6576