Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, in this chapter:
(1) “Distribution date” means:
(A) if no payment law prohibits the comptroller from issuing a warrant, the date the comptroller makes the warrant available:
(i) for mailing directly to its payee under § 2155.382(c); or
(ii) to the state agency that requested issuance of the warrant;
(B) if no payment law prohibits the comptroller from initiating an electronic funds transfer, the date the comptroller initiates the transfer;
(C) if a payment law prohibits the comptroller from issuing a warrant, the date the comptroller would have made the warrant available, in the absence of the payment law:
(i) for mailing directly to its payee under § 2155.382(c); or
(ii) to the state agency that requested issuance of the warrant; or
(D) if a payment law prohibits the comptroller from initiating an electronic funds transfer, the date the comptroller would have made the warrant prepared under § 403.0552(b) available, in the absence of the payment law:
(i) for mailing directly to its payee under § 2155.382(c); or
(ii) to the state agency that requested initiation of the transfer.
(2) “Goods” includes supplies, materials, or equipment.
(3) “Governmental entity” means a state agency or political subdivision of this state.
(4) “Payment” means money owed to a vendor.
(5) “Payment law” means:
(A) § 57.48 or 57.482, Education Code;
(B) § 231.007, Family Code;
(C) § 403.055 or 2107.008; or
(D) any similar statute.
(6) “Political subdivision” means:
(A) a county;
(B) a municipality;
(C) a public school district; or
(D) a special-purpose district or authority.
(7) “Service” includes gas and water utility service.
(8) “State agency” means:
(A) a board, commission, department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of state government that is created by the constitution or a statute of this state, including a river authority and an institution of higher education as defined by § 61.003, Education Code;
(B) the legislature or a legislative agency; or
(C) the Supreme Court of Texas, the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, a court of appeals, a state judicial agency, or the State Bar of Texas.
(9) “Subcontractor” means a person who contracts with a vendor to work or contribute toward completing work for a governmental entity. The term does not include a state agency. The term includes an officer or employee of a state agency when the officer or employee contracts with a vendor in a private capacity.
(10) “Vendor” means a person who supplies goods or a service to a governmental entity or another person directed by the entity. The term does not include a state agency, except for Texas Correctional Industries. The term includes an officer or employee of a state agency when acting in a private capacity to supply goods or a service.