LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 77th Regular Session
March 7, 2001
TO: Honorable Patricia Gray, Chair, House Committee on Public
Health
FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: HB1239 by Wilson (Relating to retention requirements for
and access to blood specimens taken for newborn
screenings; providing a criminal penalty.), As
Introduced
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* Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for *
* HB1239, As Introduced: negative impact of $(893,771) through the *
* biennium ending August 31, 2003. *
* *
* 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:
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* Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) *
* Impact to General Revenue Related *
* Funds *
* 2002 $(399,876) *
* 2003 (493,895) *
* 2004 (527,016) *
* 2005 (598,764) *
* 2006 (628,004) *
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All Funds, Five-Year Impact:
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*Fiscal Probable (Cost) from General Change in Number of State *
* Year Revenue Fund Employees from FY 2001 *
* 0001 *
* 2002 $(399,876) 11.0 *
* 2003 (493,895) 11.0 *
* 2004 (527,016) 11.0 *
* 2005 (598,764) 12.0 *
* 2006 (628,004) 12.0 *
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Technology Impact
Three personal computers, a printer, office automation software, network
interface devices, and cabling, estimated to cost $7,500. It is
estimated software and interface development will cost about $25,000.
TDH also estimates an annual maintenance contract would cost $3,500, and
will be needed to ensure ongoing compatibility between the inventory
system and the newborn lab systems.
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would require the Department of Health (TDH) to retain, in a
secure location, all blood specimens taken for newborn screening tests.
The bill prohibits TDH from allowing a person to access a blood specimen
after the newborn screening test has been performed, unless directed by
a court order. TDH would be required to adopt rules to implement the
provisions of the bill. The bill would take effect January 1, 2002.
Methodology
The number of births in Texas in 1998 was 342,199. Each newborn is
tested twice, which results in two specimens per birth. It is assumed
the birth rate will increase by 3% each year.
One-time startup costs totaling $90,910 would include office furniture,
and computer equipment and technology costs noted above. Costs to
shelter the refrigerated containers are undetermined and are not
estimated.
On-going costs would include 11 FTEs in FYs 2002-04, and 12 FTEs in
subsequent years, rental costs for refrigeration units, storage supplies,
electrical power, office supplies, and technology maintenance.
Because the effective date of the bill is January 1, 2002, estimates for
FY 2002 are based on an eight month period.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is
anticipated.
Source Agencies: 501 Texas Department of Health
LBB Staff: JK, HD, RM