đź”´Relating to certain authorities of the adjutant general for procurement and construction
HB 5308
đź”´ HB 5308: Military construction power shifted to one office
What it says it does:
HB 5308 claims to streamline how Texas military facilities are built and maintained by letting the Adjutant General approve and manage construction projects directly.
What it actually changes:
The bill removes the Comptroller’s independent review for military construction contracts over $100,000. It gives the Adjutant General corporate-style authority to run all procurement for facility projects, including the ability to delegate those powers without outside oversight.
Who is pushing for it:
The Texas Military Department supported the bill through official testimony. Witness lists show Brian Stevens from the department and Steven Deline registered in favor. The House author is Rep. Philip Cortez (D-HD117), with Sen. Donna Campbell (R-SD25) carrying it in the Senate.
Who benefits:
The Texas Military Department gains complete control over its construction and maintenance pipeline. Contractors already connected to the department are likely to benefit from faster, less-reviewed contracts.
Who gets left out or exposed:
Smaller contractors that depend on open competition may lose access to state work. Taxpayers lose the Comptroller’s fiscal review, a safeguard designed to catch inflated bids or favoritism.
Why this matters long term:
HB 5308 sets a precedent for other agencies to demand their own carveouts from statewide procurement oversight. Each exception shifts more public money into unreviewed pipelines and weakens long-term accountability.
What to watch next:
If the Texas Military Department’s carveout stands unchallenged, expect similar efforts from infrastructure and emergency management agencies next session. Watch for rising project costs and fewer competitive bid disclosures.
Bottom line:
HB 5308 concentrates procurement power in the Adjutant General’s office, removes an external watchdog, and opens the door for other agencies to bypass the same fiscal oversight Texans rely on for transparency.