LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 75th Regular Session March 4, 1997 TO: Honorable Warren Chisum, Chair IN RE: House Bill No. 1423 Committee on Environmental Regulation By: Cuellar House Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on HB1423 ( Relating to the powers and duties of certain constables to enforce environmental laws affecting the Rio Grande.) this office has detemined the following: Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by HB1423-As Introduced No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. This bill would allow counties located along the Rio Grande to require constables to enforce environmental laws and issue citations for offenses. Five counties were contacted to determine the potential fiscal implications of this bill. El Paso, Webb and Val Verde Counties reported that the expanding the duties of constables to include environmental enforcement as prescribed by this bill would have no fiscal impact or no significant fiscal impact. Brewster County estimates that granting constables enforcement powers would cost an initial $50,000 to cover costs associated with the acquisition of vehicles for constables to access areas adjacent to the river, training, and testing. After initial costs, the county estimates annual expenditures of $30,000. Brewster County reports that these costs are significant, given a total annual budget of approximately $2 million. Cameron County estimates that implementing the provisions of this bill would cost $5,000 to $10,000 per year for each of the County's eight constable precincts (total 49 officers). Cameron County would thus anticipate increased costs of $40,000 to $80,000 per year. Source: Agencies: 582 Natural Resources Conservation Commission 302 Office of the Attorney General Brewster County Cameron County El Paso County Val Verde County Webb County LBB Staff: JK ,BB ,TL