State agencies are directed to use cost-effective postal services, and several USPS-only purchasing and postage-meter rules apply, with the comptroller assisting and approving certain arrangements.
Sec. 2113.103. POSTAGE AND POSTAL SERVICES. (a) A state agency should use the most cost-effective means of postal service available. A state agency may use appropriated money to purchase any form of mailing service available from the United States Postal Service that results in lower cost to the agency and affords service comparable in quality to other available postal services. The comptroller shall assist state agencies in determining the types and comparability of postal services available from the United States Postal Service. (b) Except as provided by Subsections (c) and (d), a state agency may use appropriated money to purchase postage or rent a post office box only from the United States Postal Service. (c) An agency other than an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, that spends for postage in a fiscal year an amount that exceeds the dollar amount set by the General Appropriations Act as the maximum expenditure for postage shall purchase or rent a postage meter machine and record all purchases of postage on the machine except purchases of postage for employees in field offices and traveling employees. The rental of a postage meter machine by a state agency, including an institution of higher education, the legislature, or an agency in the legislative branch of state government, must be from a company approved by the comptroller. The comptroller by rule shall adopt procedures for the renting entity to pay for postage. (d) Subsection (b) does not apply to a reimbursement: (1) to an authorized petty cash account; (2) to a state employee for an emergency purchase of postage or emergency payment of post office box rent; (3) that is received by a state agency for authorized services and is appropriated directly to the receiving agency; or (4) under a contract for mailing services that may include postage, if the contract has been approved by the comptroller. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1498, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937 (H.B. 3560), Sec. 1.68, eff. September 1, 2007.