LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 75th Regular Session April 26, 1997 TO: Honorable Rodney Ellis, Chair IN RE: Senate Bill No. 1561 Committee on Jurisprudence By: Wentworth Senate Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on SB1561 ( Relating to recording certain depositions.) this office has detemined the following: Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by SB1561-As Introduced Implementing the provisions of the bill would result in a net negative impact of $(377,782) to General Revenue Related Funds through the biennium ending August 31, 1999. Fiscal Analysis According to the Court Reporters Certification Board, of the 3,448 certified court reporters in the state, there are an estimated 2,743 freelance court reporters who record depositions. Under the provisions of the bill, these freelance reporters would not be required to be examined, certified, or disciplined by the agency. Methodolgy Based on current fee projections, the agency predicts that it could lose up to 90% of collected fee revenue ($165,970) in even-numbered years and 80% of collected fee revenue ($211,812) in odd-numbered years. The number fluctuates due to the higher number of certification renewals processed in odd-numbered years. The probable fiscal implications of implementing the provisions of the bill during each of the first five years following passage is estimated as follows: Five Year Impact: Fiscal Year Probable Revenue Gain/(Loss) from General Revenue Fund 0001 1998 ($165,970) 1998 (211,812) 2000 (165,970) 2001 (211,000) 2002 (165,000) Net Impact on General Revenue Related Funds: The probable fiscal implication to General Revenue related funds during each of the first five years is estimated as follows: Fiscal Year Probable Net Postive/(Negative) General Revenue Related Funds Funds 1998 ($165,970) 1999 (211,812) 2000 (165,970) 2001 (211,000) 2002 (165,000) Similar annual fiscal implications would continue as long as the provisions of the bill are in effect. No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source: Agencies: LBB Staff: JK ,BB ,MG