COMMON SURETY OR INSURER.

(a) The commission or an agency whose project is exempted from all or part of this chapter under Section 2166.003 may negotiate an arrangement advantageous to the state with a surety or an insurer, as appropriate, authorized to do business in this state to furnish bonds, insurance, or both that a contractor or subcontractor is required to execute or carry to receive a contract or subcontract on a project administered by the commission or other agency.

Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 614, Sec. 1

(b) In accordance with Section 1, Chapter 87, Acts of the 56th Legislature, Regular Session, 1959 (Article 7.19-1, Vernon's Texas Insurance Code), the commission or other agency may not require a contractor or subcontractor for any public building or other construction contract to obtain a surety bond from any specific insurance or surety company, agent, or broker. To the extent consistent with that law, the commission or other agency may require a contractor or subcontractor to meet part or all of the bonding or insurance requirements for the project under the negotiated arrangement.

Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 9.09

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), notwithstanding Section 1, Chapter 87, Acts of the 56th Legislature, Regular Session, 1959 (Article 7.19-1, Vernon's Texas Insurance Code), the commission or other agency may require a contractor or subcontractor to meet part or all of the bonding or insurance requirements for the project under the arrangement negotiated by the commission or other agency.

Text of subsec. (c) as added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 614, Sec. 1

(c) For the purposes of this section, the General Services Commission shall establish a program to provide surety technical assistance services for the benefit of small businesses and historically underutilized businesses. The commission may contract with insurance companies, surety companies, agents, or brokers to implement this program.

Text of subsec. (c) as added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1422, Sec. 9.09

(c) To assist historically underutilized businesses, small businesses, or any other businesses, if an agency by rule requires a proposal guaranty as a condition for bidding on a contract, the guaranty may be in the form of a:

(1) cashier's check or money order drawn on an account with a financial entity determined by the agency;

(2) bid bond issued by a surety authorized to do business in this state; or

(3) any other method approved by the agency.