February, 2021
Upgrade BlueZone Web-to-Host by June 1 [posted 02/26/21]
All customers using BlueZone Web-to-Host 5.2 must upgrade to the latest version, 7.1, by June 1, when the current version will be decommissioned on Comptroller systems. See Requirements for Transmitting Comptroller Information (FPP N.007) (login required) for more information and installation instructions.
Agencies and institutions may also use other TN3270E emulation software equivalent to BlueZone. See Alternative Emulator Configuration Settings (login required) in FPP N.007 or contact information technology support at your agency or institution for help.
Updated USAS T-Code Sorts and Reference Information [posted 02/26/21]
See FMX for updated USAS documentation:
Fiscal 2020 ACFR [posted 02/26/21]
The State of Texas Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is now available. This publication provides a thorough picture of the state’s financial condition. The report is compiled from information in the statewide financial systems and individual agency annual financial reports.
The ACFR includes financial statements for the primary government and the component units of the state, management’s discussion and analysis, and a statistical data section.
Daily Print Files Available for Download [posted 02/19/21]
The daily print files for the mainframe system reports are available for download for the most recent cycle plus the previous 12 cycles. Agencies can retrieve the files from the Comptroller’s mainframe server using secure file transfer protocol (SFTP), and have two weeks to download a missed file without notifying the Comptroller’s office. You must have security access to retrieve these reports. To request access, contact your agency security coordinator.
If you need to retrieve files that are no longer available, contact the Comptroller’s Help Desk at (512) 463-4357 or cpa.help@cpa.texas.gov and request the SIO Group.
See Requirements for Transmitting Comptroller Information Over Public Networks and Downloading Mainframe Reports Using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)(FPP N.007) (login required) for more information.
Hotel Occupancy Tax Refund Reports [posted 02/19/21]
Agencies that reimburse employees for state-related hotel stays are due a refund for hotel occupancy taxes. USAS automatically generates the refunds each quarter.
The hotel occupancy tax refund for December through February will be available on DAFR reports 8190 and 8200 on March 9.
See Hotel Occupancy Tax Quarterly Refund (FPP B.006) for more information.
Warrant Distribution Delayed Due to Inclement Weather [posted 02/18/21]
Weather permitting, warrant pickup will be available on Friday, Feb. 19 from noon – 4 p.m. Agencies may call (512) 475-5329 beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday to confirm that warrants will be available for distribution.
On days the Comptroller’s office is closed but warrant pickup is available, your authorized representative must have photo identification and a cell phone to call
(512) 475-5329 upon arrival at the LBJ building if no guard is present.
Community/Junior Colleges Second Quarter Veteran Workforce Reporting Due [posted 02/18/21]
Public community and junior colleges must provide quarterly data on veteran hiring and employment by completing the Comptroller’s electronic Veteran Workforce Reporting for Public Community/Junior College form. The online form (with required veteran complaint reporting included) will be available March 16 and must be submitted by March 23.
See Public Community and Junior Colleges Veteran Workforce Reporting Criteria in Veteran Workforce Summary Reports and Veteran Complaint Reporting (FPP F.038) for more information, including form criteria, instructions and quarterly reporting deadlines.
Warrant Distribution Canceled Due to Inclement Weather [posted 02/17/21]
Due to inclement weather, the Comptroller’s office will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 18. Warrants will not be distributed on this day.
Additional Comptroller office closures or delayed openings will be announced here on FMX.
Warrant Distribution Canceled Due to Inclement Weather [posted 02/16/21]
Due to inclement weather, the Comptroller’s office will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Warrants will not be distributed on this day.
Additional Comptroller office closures or delayed openings will be announced here on FMX.
Warrant Distribution Canceled Due to Inclement Weather [posted 02/15/21]
Due to inclement weather, the Comptroller’s office will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Warrants will not be distributed on this day.
Additional Comptroller office closures or delayed openings will be announced here on FMX.
Second Quarter Veteran Workforce Summary Reports Due [posted 02/12/21]
March 15 is the maintenance and corrections deadline for the fiscal 2021 second quarter Veteran Workforce Summary Reports (Dec. 1 to Feb. 28). Copies of the quarterly reports will be sent via electronic file transfer (EFT) on March 16. The online quarterly report acknowledgment form (with required complaint reporting included) will be available March 16 and must be submitted by March 23.
See Veteran Workforce Summary Reports and Veteran Complaint Reporting (FPP F.038) for more information.
CAPPS User Group Webinar [posted 02/12/21]
A combined CAPPS HR/Payroll and CAPPS Financials user group webinar will be held Feb. 25, 9-11 a.m. See the CAPPS Financials User Group Meetings or the CAPPS HR/Payroll User Group Meetings for webinar information. The agenda and meeting materials will be posted one day before the meeting.
Reminder — Deadline To Request Unclaimed Funds [posted 02/12/21]
Unclaimed property transferred to the state includes property that might belong to state agencies or institutions of higher education. Money not claimed by May 31 will be deposited into unappropriated general revenue.
See Unclaimed Property Annual Notification for more information, including contact information for the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division.
USAS and CAPPS Confidentiality Indicator [posted 02/05/21]
To make payment information available to the public promptly, the Comptroller’s office must be able to distinguish confidential and non-confidential payments. State agencies and institutions of higher education must ensure that confidential transactions are properly marked to protect payee confidentiality as specified in USAS and CAPPS Confidentiality Indicator (FPP E.045).
The agency or institution submitting a transaction is responsible for determining confidentiality. Transactions are legally considered public unless specifically excluded by the Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552).
An agency or institution that marks a transaction as confidential should be prepared to cite the law or attorney general opinion that excludes the payment from public disclosure.