The Texas Building and Procurement Commission adopts new Title 1, TAC, Chapter 115, Subchapter A--State Leased Property, §§115.1 - 115.11, concerning the Facilities Leasing Program. The new rules are adopted without changes to the proposed text that was published in the November 30, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 9686), and the text will not be republished. The adoption of these new rules is being published simultaneously in this issue of the Texas Register with the adoption of the repeal of the old Title 1, TAC, Chapter 115, Subchapter A, §§115.1 - 115.10--Facilities Leasing Program.

The new rules to Title 1, TAC, Chapter 115, Subchapter A, §§115.1 - 115.11 are adopted in accordance with Senate Bill 311 (SB 311), Article 10, 77th Legislature (2001) which added language concerning best value standard for lease space; use of private firms to obtain space; and reporting requirements for state agencies noncompliant with leasing requirements.

The adopted new rules will delete obsolete language found in the adopted repeal of Title 1, TAC, Chapter 115, §§115.1 - 115.10 that is published simultaneously in this publication of the Texas Register. The new rules will also result in reduced life cycle costs for leased space and on time delivery of space, which should also result in lower costs for space.

No comments have been received concerning the adoption of new Title 1, TAC, Chapter 115, Subchapter A, §§115.1 - 115.11.

The new rules are adopted under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle D, §§2152.003, 2166.062, 2166.202, 2166.2525 (new by SB 311, §9.02, 77th Legislature (2001)), 2166.2526 (new by SB 311, §9.03, 77th Legislature (2001)) which provides the Texas Building and Procurement Commission with the authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement the sections.