Honorable Larry Taylor, Chair, Senate Committee on Education
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3298 by Allison (Relating to computer science and technology education, training, and curriculum.), As Engrossed
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB3298, As Engrossed : a negative impact of ($2,018,012) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
General Revenue-Related Funds, Five- Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2022
($1,037,186)
2023
($980,826)
2024
($980,826)
2025
($980,826)
2026
($980,826)
All Funds, Five-Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2021
2022
($1,037,186)
2.0
2023
($980,826)
2.0
2024
($980,826)
2.0
2025
($980,826)
2.0
2026
($980,826)
2.0
Fiscal Analysis
The bill's would establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations related to computer science instruction and participation in public schools. The bill would also establish a competitive professional development grant program to obtain computer science certification and continue computer science professional education.
Methodology
TEA estimates two Education Specialist III FTE would be required to implement the bill. One would be needed to develop criteria and rules for grant eligibility, administer the grant process, monitor the grant, provide technical assistance to educators and providers, and collect and report data related to the grant. The other Education Specialist III would support the strategic advisory committee, assist with coordination of review and revision of the TEKS, and manage the grant program. Costs associated with these FTEs would total $182,516 in fiscal year 2022 and $174,516 in fiscal year 2023. This analysis assumes that this staff member would be primarily responsible for producing the biennial report required by the bill.
TEA estimates that there would be a cost of $446,310 for multiple, separate, one-day trainings. This covers the cost of training materials, space, and trainer's time. This is based on the 1,653 technology applications teachers participating in one of the single-day trainings provided. For educators participating in training for computer science certification, it would cost approximately $1,800 per educator for a 40-hour training. If 10 teachers participated from each education service center region, that would be $360,000. The total estimate for the two types of professional development offerings for the number of participants indicated above is $806,310 annually.
According to the Texas Education Agency, costs associated with reimbursing travel and other expenses associated with the advisory committee would total $48,360 in fiscal year 2022.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.