LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
February 18, 2003

TO:
Honorable Kino Flores, Chair, House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures
 
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB238 by Miller (Relating to regulation of plumbing performed outside municipalities and inside municipalities of fewer than 5,000 people.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB238, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($53,721) through the biennium ending August 31, 2005.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2003 ($5,969)
2004 ($23,876)
2005 ($23,876)
2006 ($23,876)
2007 ($23,876)
2008 ($23,876)




Fiscal Year Probable Revenue Gain/(Loss) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1
2003 ($5,969)
2004 ($23,876)
2005 ($23,876)
2006 ($23,876)
2007 ($23,876)
2008 ($23,876)

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend the Occupations Code, Sec. 1301.052, to no longer require a plumbing license from the Board of Plumbing Examiners for work performed outside a municipality or inside a municipality with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, unless an ordinance of the municipality requires a license.

 

This bill would take effect on June 1, 2003.


Methodology

According to the agency, the bill would reduce the number of examinations given, initial licenses and registrations issued, and licenses and registrations renewed. The agency estimates the decrease in the number of licensed plumbers would be an average of two licensed Journeymen Plumbers and four registered Plumber’s Apprentices per county for a total decrease of approximately 508 Journeymen Plumbers and 1,016 Plumber’s Apprentices statewide.  At the current fee of $27 per license renewal and $10 per registration renewal, there would be a reduction in renewal fees collected by the agency for fiscal year 2003 of approximately $5,969. The loss in renewal fees would be $23,876 per fiscal year thereafter.   

 

Although the agency could increase fees to offset any revenue decrease associated with the implementation of this bill, it is assumed the current fees rates would not change.


Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
452 Department Of Licensing And Regulation, 456 Board Of Plumbing Examiners
LBB Staff:
JK, JRO, RT, TG