Sec. 2155.138.  EXEMPTION OF GOODS OR SERVICES OF BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS.  (a)  The competitive bidding provisions of this chapter do not apply to a state purchase of goods or services that:
(1)  are made or provided by blind or visually impaired persons;
(2)  are offered for sale to a state agency through efforts made under Chapter 122, Human Resources Code;
(3)  meet state specifications for quantity, quality, delivery, and life cycle costs; and
(4)  cost not more than the fair market price of similar items.
(b)  The Texas Workforce Commission shall test the goods and services to the extent necessary to ensure quality.  The Texas Workforce Commission may enter into a contract with a private or public entity to assist with testing.
(c)  The comptroller shall make awards under this section based on proposed goods and services meeting formal state specifications developed by the comptroller or meeting commercial specifications approved by the comptroller.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 41, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1206, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by: 
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 672 (S.B. 212), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1071 (H.B. 1524), Sec. 28, eff. September 1, 2019.