86R6108 AAF-D
 
  By: Bonnen of Galveston H.B. No. 2337
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the development of a contract template and contracting
  guidance for debris removal and monitoring contracts of political
  subdivisions.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 418, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 418.054 to read as follows:
         Sec. 418.054.  DEBRIS CONTRACT GUIDANCE FOR POLITICAL
  SUBDIVISIONS. (a)  In this section, "Hurricane Harvey" means the
  hurricane of that name that struck the southeastern region of this
  state in 2017.
         (b)  The division, in consultation with political
  subdivisions and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall
  identify common issues that occurred after Hurricane Harvey with
  debris removal and monitoring contracts.
         (c)  The division, in coordination with the comptroller,
  shall develop contracting standards and requirements for contracts
  used by political subdivisions when contracting for long-term and
  exigent debris removal and monitoring.  The contracting standards
  and requirements must:
               (1)  address the contracting issues identified under
  Subsection (b);
               (2)  include provisions relating to the manner in which
  debris is removed, including requiring a contractor to make
  multiple passes to remove debris;
               (3)  include provisions relating to requirements for
  contractors providing debris removal and monitoring services, such
  as requiring the contractor to:
                     (A)  have certain expertise;
                     (B)  be based in a certain location; and
                     (C)  have a certain number of employees and
  vehicles in the contractor's fleet;
               (4)  include provisions that enhance the ability of
  political subdivisions to monitor contract compliance; and
               (5)  include bonding requirements and penalties for
  failure to perform the contract.
         (d)  The division shall develop:
               (1)  a contract template incorporating the contracting
  standards and requirements developed under Subsection (c); and
               (2)  contracting guidance that provides political
  subdivisions with an overview of federal contracting standards and
  requirements. 
         (e)  The division shall annually:
               (1)  review federal statutory and regulatory changes to
  procedures regarding contracting; and
               (2)  update the contract template and contracting
  guidance developed under Subsection (d) to reflect any changes.
         (f)  The division shall distribute an updated contract
  template or updated contracting guidance to political subdivisions
  as soon as practicable.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.