LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 29, 2003

TO:	Honorable Bill Ratliff, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1836 by Staples (Relating to eligibility of nonborder areas for certain state assistance.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Water Code to broaden the eligibility for nonborder counties to qualify for certain state assistance. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2003.

 

Broadening the criteria could result in an increase in the number of entities eligible for state financial assistance under various sections of the Water Code, and thereby the demand for such assistance; however, it is not expected to result in significant cost increases to the state because such entities would already be eligible for existing similar state agency programs.

Local Government Impact

The bill could result in certain political subdivisions being eligible for additional grant funds and loan assistance at reduced interest rates; however, since such entities would likely be eligible for similar fiancial assitance programs under current law, no significant fiscal implications are expected.

Source Agencies:	357 Office of Rural Community Affairs, 580 Water Development Board, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality
LBB Staff:	JK, DLBa, RR, TL