Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Finance
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB2222 by Nelson (relating to certain equipment provided for use by the officers of the Texas Highway Patrol.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
Depending upon the specifications of bullet resistant glass needed to retrofit vehicles, there would be an indeterminate cost to the state. Therefore, the fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. The Department of Public Safety is required to implement a provision of this Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the Department may, but is not required to, implement a provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that purpose.
The bill would require that highway patrol vehicles be equipped with bullet resistant windshields. According to the Department of Public Safety, they are still evaluating which level of bullet resistant glass to install in patrol vehicles. The determination depends upon which type of glass would maintain the vehicle effectiveness while also providing safety to officers performing their duties. Other considerations include driver and passenger side windows, impact of the additional weight on the vehicle frame, and the availability of contractors and supplies. Costs would include the material and installation, as well as regular replacements, removals, breakage, and staff resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.