LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 30, 2005

TO:	Honorable Kent Grusendorf, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2464 by Dawson (Relating to requiring skin cancer prevention instruction in public schools.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require the State Board of Education (SBOE), in consultation with the Department of State Health Services, to develop a skin cancer prevention program that includes facts and statistics about ultraviolet radiation danger, a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risks of skin cancer, and instruction on accessing updated information and educational resources from appropriate entities.  School districts would be required to use the program as part of the health curriculum.

According to the Texas Education Agency, the most effective way to implement the program by May 2006 would be to provide materials to the education service centers, develop online resources, and provide CD-based supplemental materials, which would cost approximately $200,000 in fiscal year 2006.  In the long run, the program could be incorporated into the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the adopted textbooks at little additional cost. 

The SBOE would be required to develop the program by May 1, 2006.  School districts would use the program starting in the 2006-07 school year.  The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.  School districts may experience a relatively small cost associated with professional development to implement the program.

Source Agencies:

537 Department of State Health Services, 701 Central Education Agency

LBB Staff:

JOB, CT, UP, KC