🟩An Act relating to the manner of solicitation of bids for certain purchases by the comptroller of public accounts and state agencies.

HB 3623

✅ HB 3623: Clears Out Obsolete Telegraph Language from State Purchasing Law

What it says it does:
HB 3623 updates the section of state law that lists how agencies can ask for bids on purchases. It removes the word “telegraph” from the list of authorized methods, keeping mail, phone, fax, and online options.

What it actually changes:
The bill makes no structural or financial changes to procurement. It simply deletes an outdated term that no longer applies. No new authorities or spending are created, and all existing oversight stays the same.

Who is pushing for it:
Rep. McQueeney authored the bill, and Sen. Zaffirini sponsored it in the Senate. The only witnesses noted were a private citizen and staff from the Comptroller’s office, who said the telegraph reference was obsolete.

Who benefits:
Agencies and vendors benefit from clearer law and simpler procedures. It eliminates confusion and shows small efficiency improvements are possible without cost or controversy.

Who gets left out or exposed:
The only thing removed is a relic from another century.

Why this matters long term:
HB 3623 shows that some cleanup bills are exactly that, cleanup. It’s an example of bipartisan cooperation and legislative focus on good governance rather than hidden agendas.

What to watch next:
Whether lawmakers apply this same clarity to larger “cleanup” bills that claim to modernize systems but may hide power shifts or fiscal loopholes.

Bottom line:
HB 3623 is a simple, transparent update. It trims a dead line from the law and proves that the Legislature can act on efficiency without overreach.

#HB3623 #TexasPolicy #CommonSense #Procurement #KnowBeforeYouVote