LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 17, 2005

TO:	Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2476 by Delisi (Relating to allowing the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel to hold hearings by telecommunication methods.), As Engrossed

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2476, As Engrossed: a positive impact of $26,280 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	$13,140
2007	$13,140
2008	$13,140
2009	$13,140
2010	$13,140

All Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Savings from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1
2006	$13,140
2007	$13,140
2008	$13,140
2009	$13,140
2010	$13,140

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would allow the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel to hold telephonic hearings as long as any member of the panel is physically present at the meeting.

Methodology

Travel costs for the panel are currently $15,000 per year. The agency estimates that teleconferencing would cost $360 per year ($.05 per minute per location; assume 8 locations for 5 meetings). Assume that travel costs for the one member who must be present would be $1,500 per year. The bill would result in net savings of $13,140 per year ($15,000 minus $360 minus $1,500).

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

537 Department of State Health Services

LBB Staff:

JOB, SR, CL, PP, LW