Sec. 2054.061.  USE OF CONSULTANTS AND OUTSIDE STAFF.  (a)  The department shall develop clear criteria for the appropriate use of consultants and outside staff by the department to temporarily augment the department's existing staff.
(b)  The department shall annually analyze:
(1)  the department's staffing needs;
(2)  the need for and cost-effectiveness of contracting for consultants and outside staff;
(3)  whether the department could use department staff to accomplish tasks proposed for the consultants and outside staff;
(4)  whether and what type of training or additional resources are necessary for the department to use the department's own staff to accomplish tasks proposed for the consultants or outside staff; and
(5)  whether entering into an agreement with a public junior college district or public technical institute under Section 2054.0701 is appropriate to assist the department in meeting staffing needs.
(c)  In conjunction with the budget process, the department shall provide the analysis to the board for approval.  The department may not hire or train any consultants or outside staff unless it has been approved during this budget process.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 48 (H.B. 2472), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2013.
Amended by: 
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 473 (H.B. 584), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.