LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session
May 4, 1999
TO: Honorable Elliott Naishtat, Chair, House Committee on
Human Services
FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: SB1441 by Barrientos (Relating to expanding the
specialized telecommunications devices assistance
program.), As Engrossed
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* Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for *
* SB1441, As Engrossed: 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. *
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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:
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*Fiscal Probable Savings/(Cost) from Change in Number of State *
* Year Other - Universal Service Fund Employees from FY 1999 *
* 2000 $(3,852,882) 2.0 *
* 2001 (3,842,082) 2.0 *
* 2002 (3,842,082) 2.0 *
* 2003 (3,842,082) 2.0 *
* 2004 (3,842,082) 2.0 *
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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 Assistance Program to apply to individuals
with disabilities that impair their ability to effectively access the
telephone network. In addition to equipment, the bill would allow for
services to be provided for persons with disabilities in communicating
with other users of telecommunications services.
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 an
eleven member advisory committee to advise the Commission on issues
regarding telephone network access for individuals with disabilities.
Methodology
Two new positions would be funded from the Universal Service Fund. All
costs 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. The cost of two additional employees
(2 Admin. 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. This estimate assumes 430 new applicants each year at $424 each
for a cost of $182,320 each year.
It is assumed that an increase in costs for the program would occur
related to the provision of services in addition to equipment. Based
upon the experience of the equipment program with 8,500 vouchers issued
at an average cost of $424 each for the hearing impaired individuals, it
is assumed that providing services would have similar costs of
$3,604,000 per year.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is
anticipated.
Source Agencies: 335 Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired,
473 Public Utility Commission of Texas
LBB Staff: JK, TP, SD, BB, ER