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