HBA-MSH H.B. 1588 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1588 By: Callegari County Affairs 7/18/2001 Enrolled BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Prior to the 77th Legislature, a county purchasing agent was required to complete at least 25 hours of continuing education every two years. The courses were required to be accredited by a nationally recognized college or university, offered by a state agency, or recognized by a national purchasing association. Courses offered by a state professional association did not count toward the requirement. House Bill 1588 added courses offered by a state professional association to the list of courses that can be used to fulfill continuing education requirements. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1588 amends the Local Government Code to allow a county purchasing agent to take courses relating to purchasing offered by state professional associations to fulfill the 25 hours in courses relating to the duties of a county purchasing agent required during each two-year term of office. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.