LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session May 12, 1999 TO: Chris Harris, Chair, Senate, Committee on State Affairs FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB2155 by Yarbrough (relating to the creation and operation of the Texas State Board of Mechanical Industries and the regulation of plumbing and mechanical laws and programs by that board; providing penalties), As Engrossed ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * ************************************************************************** The bill would create the "Texas State Board of Mechanical Industries", and would shift regulatory responsibilities for several programs to the new agency. All functions of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) would be transferred to the new agency, and the TSBPE would be abolished. Regulatory responsibilities for air conditioning and refrigeration contractors would be transferred from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and responsibility for the regulation of irrigators would be transferred from the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission. Two advisory committees would be abolished, including the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Advisory Board and the Texas Irrigators Advisory Council. New advisory committees would be created on each of the following: plumbing; irrigation; air conditioning and refrigeration; and backflow prevention. It is assumed that resources could be transferred between affected agencies as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. Local Government Impact No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: LBB Staff: JK, BB, SD, TH, CB