LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 25, 2005

TO:
Honorable Terry Keel, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB494 by Guillen (Relating to the creation of an address confidentiality program to assist victims of family violence or stalking in maintaining confidential addresses.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB494, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($958,920) through the biennium ending August 31, 2007.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2006 ($500,757)
2007 ($458,163)
2008 ($458,163)
2009 ($459,663)
2010 ($459,663)




Fiscal Year Probable (Cost) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2005
2006 ($500,757) 6.0
2007 ($458,163) 6.0
2008 ($458,163) 6.0
2009 ($459,663) 6.0
2010 ($459,663) 6.0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require the Secretary of State to establish an address confidentiality program to assist victims of family violence in maintaining confidential addresses. The agency also would be required to identify state and local agencies that provide counseling and shelter services to victims of family violence and require the identified agencies to provide access to the program.

The bill would amend the Election Code to adjust the requirements for a registered list of voters as designated in the address confidentiality program. It would also make address confidentiality program participants who are qualified voters eligible for early voting by mail.


Methodology

The estimate includes costs for six full-time-equivalent positions to implement and operate the address confidentiality program, postage related to the forwarding mail on behalf of program participants, equipment, materials, and computer application expenses.

Technology

Technology costs are minimal relative to the cost estimate provided.

Local Government Impact

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


Source Agencies:
302 Office of the Attorney General, 307 Secretary of State, 530 Department of Family and Protective Services
LBB Staff:
JOB, MS, NR, KJG