LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 15, 2003

TO:
Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence
 
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB449 by Williams (Relating to the number of justices for the Ninth Court of Appeals District.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB449, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($678,686) 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 ($339,343)
2005 ($339,343)
2006 ($339,343)
2007 ($339,343)
2008 ($339,343)




Fiscal Year Probable Savings/(Cost) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1 		Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2003
2004 ($339,343) 4.0
2005 ($339,343) 4.0
2006 ($339,343) 4.0
2007 ($339,343) 4.0
2008 ($339,343) 4.0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend Government Code, Chapter 22 to provide that the 9th Court of Appeals District consists of four rather than three justices. The bill would take effect September 1, 2003.


Methodology

The addition of a justice to the 9th Court of Appeals would cost the state $107,350 per year for the justice's salary and an additional $28,697 for the justice's benefits.  The 9th Court of Appeals indicates that two staff attorneys and one legal assistant would be needed to assist the new justice, with salaries totaling $158,256 per year. Associated benefits for the justice's staff would cost an additional $45,040 per year.


Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.  The Jefferson County Auditor's office indicates a local cost for the justice's supplemental salary and utilities, together totaling $11,700 in fiscal year 2004 and each year thereafter. The county also included a one-time capital expenditure of $85,000 for converting library space into office space for the additional staff.


Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 229 Ninth Court of Appeals District, Beaumont, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts
LBB Staff:
JK, GO, SD, VDS, TB, KG