LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 22, 2003

TO:	Honorable Glenn Lewis, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB132 by Zaffirini (Relating to the replacement and repair of existing cattle guards on county roads.), As Engrossed

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 251 of the Transportation Code by allowing county commissioners courts to authorize replacement or repair of existing cattle guards on county roads and to pay for the replacement or repair from the county road and bridge fund. Current law authorizes counties with a population of less than 60,000 (204 counties) to construct cattle guards, but does not address repair and replacement. The bill would authorize repair and replacement of existing cattle guards in all counties. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives approval by two-thirds of both houses; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2003.

Local Government Impact

Several counties were contacted by the Legislative Budget Board and by the Comptroller of Public Accounts and each county indicated that the costs of repairing or replacing cattle guards would not result in a significant fiscal impact. According to one county, the cost of a heavy-duty 8 x 16 replacement cattle guard is about $1,000. The total cost to a county would depend on the number of cattle guards that require repair or replacement and the frequency of repairs and replacement.

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

Source Agencies:	304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
LBB Staff:	JK, JB, DLBa