LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 6, 2005

TO:	Honorable Mary Denny, Chair, House Committee on Elections
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1615 by Denny (Relating to requirements for software for electronic filing with the Texas Ethics Commission.), As Introduced

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1615, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($120,200) through the biennium ending August 31, 2007.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

General Revenue-Related Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2006	($120,200)
2007	$0
2008	$0
2009	$0
2010	$0

All Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable (Cost) from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1
2006	($120,200)
2007	$0
2008	$0
2009	$0
2010	$0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend the Government Code and require the Texas Ethics Commission to provide or approve computer software compatible with at least two computer platforms used by persons who file with the commission.

Methodology

The bill would require the Texas Ethics Commission to contract with a private software developer to develop and test software compatible with the Macintosh platform. Approximately 960 hours of programming and testing is estimated at a cost of $120 per hour totaling approximately $115,200. In addition, approximately $5,000 would be need for training costs associated with training staff on maintenance of the program once it was developed.

As stated in the bill, implementation is subject to available funds. The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

356 Texas Ethics Commission

LBB Staff:

JOB, LB, JM, MS