LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 1, 2003

TO:	Honorable Jaime Capelo, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2185 by Geren (Relating to the issuance of a certificate of death by catastrophe.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

House Bill 2185 would amend Chapter 193 of the Health and Safety Code relating to the issuance of a certificate of death by catastrophe.  "Catastrophe" in this context means the occurrence of a substantial force that causes widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property and from which it is not reasonable to assume that a person could survive.

The Act would take effect on September 1, 2003.

The Department of Health indicates it could incur costs (estimated to be $14,000) related to database automation enhancements and updating the continuing medical education tutorial website training program.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.  Minimal costs would be incurred by local governments to change or create forms and institute training for the issuance of the new certificate.

Source Agencies:	501 Department of Health
LBB Staff:	JK, EB, KF, MB, KG