LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session April 6, 1999 TO: Honorable Juan Hinojosa, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB1923 by Yarbrough (Relating to the imposition of court costs on persons convicted of certain traffic offenses in certain municipalities.), As Introduced ************************************************************************** * No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * * * * The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal * * basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of * * the bill. * ************************************************************************** Local Government Impact The bill would add an additional $25 child safety court cost for all persons convicted of moving vehicle and inspection violations that occur within school crossing zones. Current law requires the $25 local court cost in cities with a population of 400,000 or more. The court cost is deposited into a fund used for school crossing guard programs. Prior to September 1, 1997, the court cost was collected by all cities. Five cities with a population of less than 400,000 were contacted by the Comptroller's office. Using historical data prior to September 1, 1997 and current records of violations where possible, revenues for the additional court cost were estimated as follows: Waxahachie $ 1,950 Odessa $19,450 McAllen $ 2,350 San Angelo $44,875 Sealy $ 1,050 All cities with a population of less than 400,000 would experience moderate gains in revenue to fund school crossing guard programs. The revenue would depend on the number of violations occurring within school crossing zones and collection rates. Source Agencies: LBB Staff: JK, MD, TL