Summary of the 1999 Legislative Session

During the 1999 Legislature, several important bills were enacted. SB1319, which streamlines the tax reporting and auditing process for Texas businesses, will allow a taxpayer to enter into a written agreement with the Comptroller to conduct a managed self-audit under the Comptroller's supervision. The bill also authorizes the Comptroller to work with certain businesses to determine the taxability of their purchases through a percentage-based reporting method.

SB1563 requires agencies to create an inventory of their external customers for each budget strategy. Each agency is required to appoint a "Customer Relations" representative who is responsible for creating an agency "Compact with Texans." The Legislative Budget Board will create a series of performance measures to measure customer service at state agencies.

HB1016 requires state agencies to provide reports required by the Legislature electronically and to provide members of the Legislature, in writing, notification that a report is available electronically and how to access the report. In addition, HB2835 requires state agencies with a biennial appropriation exceeding $175 million to post on the Internet information on agency expenditures, contracts, duties, and hearings.