LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 12, 2003

TO:	Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1723 by Geren (Relating to the performance of asbestos surveys.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Occupations Code relating to the performance of asbestos surveys.  It would provide that an asbestos survey performed for a public building is valid if the survey was performed in compliance with the law in affect at the time and asbestos-containing material was identified. The bill would provide that any activity, for which an asbestos survey is required, that is initiated during the time the survey is valid shall be conducted without the requirement of obtaining a new asbestos survey.

The Texas Department of Health (TDH) enforces the Texas Asbestos Health Protection rules requiring building owners/operators to conduct an asbestos survey prior to renovation or demolition of a public or commercial building.  Under the bill, a public building would not be required to obtain a new asbestos survey if the last one was completed within the previous five years.  TDH indicates that the bill would have no fiscal impact on the agency.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2003.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Denton County reported that the provisions of the bill would allow the county to forgo some previously required asbestos surveys when having repairs or improvements made to county buildings. However, the savings to the county are not expected to be significant. Harris County and the City of Fort Worth also reported minimal savings.

Source Agencies:

501 Department of Health

LBB Staff:

JK, EB, KF, KG, MB