LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 8, 2003

TO:
Honorable Jaime Capelo, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
 
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB1538 by Chisum (Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, including certain functions transferred to the commission from the Texas Department of Health.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1538, As Introduced: an impact of $0 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
2004 $0
2005 $0
2006 $0
2007 $0
2008 $0




Fiscal Year Probable Savings/(Cost) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1 		Probable Revenue Gain from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1 		Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2003
2004 ($58,854) $58,854 1.0
2005 ($52,854) $52,854 1.0
2006 ($52,854) $52,854 1.0
2007 ($52,854) $52,854 1.0
2008 ($52,854) $52,854 1.0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would continue the Texas Funeral Service Commission for 12 years.

The provisions of the bill would require the Funeral Service Commission to inspect and regulate cemetaries and crematories; set and collect fees for the issuance of an individual crematory operator's license and a license for each crematory and cemetery facility; and arrange for the administration of a crematory operator's license examination.


Methodology

It is assumed the agency's increased inspection responsibilities would require an additional Inspector II position at $34,854 per year (salary plus benefits) and additional annual travel costs of $18,000.

It is estimated the agency could develop a crematory operator's professional examination at a cost of $3,000 in fiscal year 2004.

It is assumed the agency would adjust fees to offset any costs associated with the implementation of the bill.


Technology

It is assumed the agency would need $3,000 for the purchase of one laptop computer for the additional inspector.  This cost would cover all applicable software, licensing fees, and accessories.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
116 Sunset Advisory Commission, 501 Department of Health, 513 Funeral Service Commission
LBB Staff:
JK, EB, RT, TG