LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
                          Austin, Texas

                           FISCAL NOTE
                       74th Regular Session

                          April 9, 1995



 TO:     Honorable Rene O. Oliveira, Chair      IN RE:  House Bill No. 1714
         Committee on Economic Development              By: Woolley
         House of Representatives
         Austin, Texas






FROM: John Keel, Director

In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on House Bill No.
1714 (relating to eligibility of public libraries for reduced
telephone rates for distance learning activities) this office has
determined the following:

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 bill would amend the Public Utility Regulatory Act to add
public libraries to those entities eligible to receive discounts
for telecommunications distance learning.  Implementation of the
provisions of the bill would require amendment of a Public
Utility Commission policy rule, relevant tariff adjustments, and
responses to inquiries from members of the newly eligible group. 
Additional agency workload would be performed with existing
agency resources.

The bill could affect state revenue derived from the public
utility assessment, but the amount or revenues potentially
affected would be insignificant.

The bill would benefit local governments by reducing
telecommunications costs for public libraries.  There are
approximately 750 main and branch public libraries in Texas. 
However, the number that would choose to participate in distance
learning activities through telecommunications services cannot be
determined.    




No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
 
The fiscal implication to units of local government cannot be
determined.


Source:   Comptroller of Public Accounts, Public Utility
Commission
          LBB Staff: JK, RM, RR