LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 25, 2003

TO:	Honorable Kino Flores, Chair, House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB277 by Ellis, Rodney (Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and to the regulation of the practice of engineering.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would continue the Board of Professional Engineers for another 12 years. The bill would also require the board to form a joint practice committee with the Board of Architectural Examiners, authorize restitution as part of an informal settlement conference, authorize the use of advisors and consultants for technical assistance on enforcement cases and clarify that the terms "engineer" and "engineering" can be used by individuals other that licensed professional engineers who are operating within the scope of their duties for their employer.

It is assumed the agency could implement the provisions of the bill within current resources and would adjust fees to offset any increase or decrease in revenues.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2003.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:	116 Sunset Advisory Commission, 459 Board of Architectural Examiners, 460 Board of Professional Engineers
LBB Staff:	JK, JRO, GO, RT