LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session
February 23, 1999
TO: Honorable Frank Madla, Chair, Senate Committee on
Intergovernmental Relations
FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: SB 339 by Madla (Relating to the regulation of mass
gatherings; imposing a penalty.), As Introduced
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* Estimated two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for *
* SB339, As Introduced: negative impact of $(323,521) 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. *
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General Revenue-Related Funds, Six-Year Impact:
****************************************************
* Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) *
* Impact to General Revenue Related *
* Funds *
* 1999 $0 *
* 2000 (150,822) *
* 2001 (172,699) *
* 2002 (172,699) *
* 2003 (172,699) *
* 2004 (172,699) *
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All Funds, Six-Year Impact:
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*Fiscal Probable Savings/(Cost) from Change in Number of State *
* Year General Revenue Fund Employees from FY 1998 *
* 0001 *
* 1999 $0 0.0 *
* 2000 (150,822) 2.0 *
* 2001 (172,699) 2.0 *
* 2002 (172,699) 2.0 *
* 2003 (172,699) 2.0 *
* 2004 (172,699) 2.0 *
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Technology Impact
Computers and related equipment would be required for new staff at a cost
of approximately $9,000.
Fiscal Analysis
The bill changes the definition of a "mass gathering" from a gathering
attracting over 5,000 persons lasting 12 hours or longer to all
gatherings attracting over 2,000 persons, regardless of duration. This is
expected to substantially increase the number of gatherings subject to
inspection by county health authorities and county fire marshals.
The bill would permit a county health authority or, in counties with no
health authority, the Department of Health (DOH) to inspect mass
gatherings to determine violations. The bill also would require county
fire marshals to investigate the preparations of mass gatherings.
Methodology
This estimate assumes that TDH would inspect 3 gathering per month in
each of the 191 counties that have no local health authority, or
approximately 573 inspections per year. The estimate assumes that an
additional two additional full-time equivalent employees would be needed
in TDH regional offices. It is also assumed that 334 of the inspections
would require 200 miles travel and an overnight stay, due to the distance
between TDH regional offices and the location of counties without health
authorities. The actual number of inspections TDH would complete could
be significantly higher or lower than assumed in this analysis.
No significant fiscal implication to the Department of Public Safety is
anticipated.
Local Government Impact
The cost to counties would depend on the number of events which required
inspection by the county fire marshal. In smaller counties with fewer
events, new responsibilities would likely be absorbed by existing staff
and resources. In larger counties with numerous large gatherings,
additional costs associated with staff, equipment and travel could be
necessary.
Source Agencies:
LBB Staff: JK, TL