LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session April 12, 1999 TO: Honorable Elliott Naishtat, Chair, House Committee on Human Services FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB3640 by Naishtat (Relating to expanding the specialized telecommunications devices assistance program.), As Introduced ************************************************************************** * Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for * * HB3640, As Introduced: positive impact of $0 through the biennium * * ending August 31, 2001. * * * * The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal * * basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of * * the bill. * * * * . * ************************************************************************** General Revenue-Related Funds, Five-Year Impact: **************************************************** * Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) * * Impact to General Revenue Related * * Funds * * 2000 $0 * * 2001 0 * * 2002 0 * * 2003 0 * * 2004 0 * **************************************************** All Funds, Five-Year Impact: *************************************************************************** *Fiscal Probable Savings/(Cost) from Change in Number of State * * Year Other - Universal Services Fund Employees from FY 1999 * * 2000 $(248,882) 2.0 * * 2001 (238,082) 2.0 * * 2002 (238,082) 2.0 * * 2003 (238,082) 2.0 * * 2004 (238,082) 2.0 * *************************************************************************** Technology Impact Two computers ($2,700 each), two teletypewriters ($400 each), two printers ($500 each) for a total of $7,200. Fiscal Analysis The bill would broaden the description of individuals eligible for the Specialized Telecommunications Device Assistance Program to apply to individuals with disabilities that impair the individuals ability to access effectively the telephone network. The cost of two additional employees (2 Administrative Tech. II positions) are included at $21,852 each. One time operating expenses are assumed in year one ($3,600) for furniture and software for the two new employees. According to the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, it is estimated that 430 new applicants would request assistance through the program in fiscal 2000. The average cost of equipment is estimated to be $424; therefore, it is assumed that 430 new applicants each year at $424 each, would cost $182,320 in year one, and continued each year thereafter. Methodology The bill would create a new Specialized Telecommunications Issues Advisory Committee and would require the Public Utility Commission and the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to appoint a nine member advisory committee to advise the Commission on issues regarding telephone network access for individuals with disabilities. Reimbursements for travel and other committee related expenses must be authorized in the General Appropriations Act. The two new positions would be funded from the Universal Service Fund. All cost associated with the program would be reimbursed through the Universal Services Fund. Local telephone exchange carriers are authorized to pass through their assessments costs for these reimbursements to their customers. Local Government Impact No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: 473 Public Utility Commission of Texas, 335 Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired LBB Staff: JK, TP, ER