LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session
April 13, 1999
TO: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Chair, Senate 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 Introduced
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* Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for *
* SB1441, 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. *
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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 $(248,882) 2.0 *
* 2001 (238,082) 2.0 *
* 2002 (238,082) 2.0 *
* 2003 (238,082) 2.0 *
* 2004 (238,082) 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 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: 335 Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired,
473 Public Utility Commission of Texas
LBB Staff: JK, TP, ER