LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 77th Regular Session
February 26, 2001
TO: Honorable Frank Madla, Chair, Senate Committee on
Intergovernmental Relations
FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: SB94 by Nelson (Relating to local government plans to
respond to bioterrorism.), As Introduced
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* Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for *
* SB94, As Introduced: a negative impact of $(392,913) through the *
* biennium ending August 31, 2003, if the effective date of the bill *
* is July 1, 2001; and a negative impact of $(360,443) through the *
* biennium ending August 31, 2003, if the effective date of the bill *
* is September 1, 2001. *
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All Funds, Six-Year Impact:
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*Fiscal Probable (Cost) from General Change in Number of State *
* Year Revenue Fund Employees from FY 2001 *
* 0001 *
* 2001 $0 0.0 *
* 2002 (201,917) 2.8 *
* 2003 (190,996) 3.0 *
* 2004 (190,996) 3.0 *
* 2005 (190,996) 3.0 *
* 2006 (190,996) 3.0 *
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The table above applies if the bill were to become effective immediately.
The table below applies if the bill were to become effective September
1, 2001.
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*Fiscal Probable (Cost) from General Change in Number of State *
* Year Revenue Fund Employees from FY 2001 *
* 0001 *
* 2002 $(169,447) 2.2 *
* 2003 (190,996) 3.0 *
* 2004 (190,996) 3.0 *
* 2005 (190,996) 3.0 *
* 2006 (190,996) 3.0 *
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Technology Impact
According to the Texas Department of Health (TDH), three personal
computers, one printer and software would be needed for the three
additional full-time-equivalents (FTE).
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would require local governments or interjurisdictional agencies
to include in their emergency management plans provisions for disaster
preparedness and response in the event of an intentional release of
harmful bacteria or viruses (bioterrorism). The bill would allow local
governments and interjurisdictional agencies to consult with TDH for
assistance in developing these plans and would require TDH to develop
expertise on responding to bioterrorism. The bill would go into effect
immediately if it received two-thirds vote in both houses; otherwise, it
would go to into effect September 1, 2001.
Methodology
According to TDH, three FTEs would be needed to develop expertise in
responding to bioterrorism and to advise counties and municipalities in
accordance with the bill's provisions. Assuming the bill would take
effect immediately and there would be a start-up period of three months,
there would be no costs in fiscal year 2001. The total amount for
salaries and benefits for three FTEs for 11 months in fiscal year 2002 is
estimated to be $169,308. Other operating expenses, including office
furniture, telephones, supplies and postage, is estimated to be $15,032
in fiscal year 2002. Travel expenses are estimated to be $10,177 in the
2002-03 biennium.
Assuming the bill would take effect September 1, 2002 and there would be
a start-up period of 3 months, the total amount for salaries and benefits
for three FTEs for nine months in fiscal year 2002 is estimated to be
$138,023. Other operating expenses are estimated to be $14,749 in
fiscal year 2002. Travel expenses are estimated to be $9,276 in the
2002-03 biennium.
The total amount of salaries and benefits in fiscal years 2003 through
2006 would be $184,030 in each fiscal year. A one time cost of $12,700
for equipment, including 3 personal computers, 1 printer, software, and
training equipment, is anticipated in fiscal year 2002, whether the bill
goes into effect July 1 or September 1, 2001. Total expenditures for the
2002-03 biennium are estimated to be $392,913 under the first possible
start-up date and $360,443 under the September 1, 2001 effective date.
Local Government Impact
Current law requires local governments and interjurisdictional agencies
to maintain or participate in a local or interjurisdictional emergency
management program. Each local or jurisdictional program is required to
prepare and keep current an emergency management plan providing for
disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Local
emergency management plans currently include 25 appendices, one of which
addresses terrorist incident response, including weapons of mass
destruction (nuclear, chemical, or biological agents).
According to analysis by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, if local
emergency management directors or coordinators were required to provide
additional plans to specifically address disaster mitigation,
preparedness, response, and recovery in the event of such an intentional
release, it is estimated that these additional plans could require
between 300 - 500 work hours to prepare. Costs would vary for local
governments depending on the size and expertise of their emergency
management staff, whether or not a local government would have to
contract for the development of such a plan, and the local region's
logistical requirements. It is anticipated that keeping the plan current
would have a minimal cost. Additional costs could include acquiring and
storing antibiotics in a secured local warehouse.
Source Agencies: 501 Texas Department of Health, 304 Comptroller
of Public Accounts
LBB Staff: JK, DB, RM