| TO: | Honorable David Dewhurst , Lieutenant Governor, Senate Honorable Tom Craddick, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB2510 by Bonnen (Relating to the regulation of on-site sewage disposal systems and the maintenance of those systems; imposing administrative and criminal penalties. ), Conference Committee Report |
| Fiscal Year | Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds |
|---|---|
| 2006 | $0 |
| 2007 | $0 |
| 2008 | $0 |
| 2009 | $0 |
| 2010 | $0 |
| Fiscal Year | Probable Revenue Gain from OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING 468 |
Probable (Cost) from OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING 468 |
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | $202,569 | ($252,569) | 3.0 |
| 2007 | $163,069 | ($163,069) | 3.0 |
| 2008 | $163,069 | ($163,069) | 3.0 |
| 2009 | $163,069 | ($163,069) | 3.0 |
| 2010 | $163,069 | ($163,069) | 3.0 |
The bill would grant the TCEQ additional oversight of entities involved in the maintenance of on-site sewage disposal systems and provide penalties for improper maintenance of such systems. In addition, it would require that those involved in maintaining and servicing on-site sewage disposal systems be licensed or registered by the TCEQ. The TCEQ would be required to adopt rules regarding standards for training in system maintenance for owners electing to maintain systems. The bill would also provide for individuals owning single family residences to maintain their own systems, and the TCEQ would be required to develop a curriculum and manual for a licence and for the maintenance of an on-site sewage disposal system.
This estimate assumes that 3 additional FTEs and related costs to the TCEQ will result from the bill's passage to implement the additional registration and licensing procedures required by the bill, and handle the increase in enforcement cases and contested case hearings expected as a result of the bill's passage. Additional costs are included in each year for travel expenses of advisory committee members, and one-time costs are included in fiscal year 2006 for computers, furniture, and modifications to the agency's Consolidated Compliance and Enforcement Database System (CCEDS) and the agency's Central Registry database. The bill's requirement that the TCEQ develop a curriculum and manual for on-site wastewater treatment licensing would cost $50,000, all in fiscal year 2006.
Since the TCEQ currently is authorized to collect fees associated with licensing, registration and enforcement, this estimate assumes that the TCEQ would adjust fees to cover the costs of administering the requirements of the bill. This estimate assumes that the net impact of the bill would be revenue neutral. All costs and revenues in this estimate are shown in the Occupational Licensing Account No. 468 because the license fees the agency would be authorized to increase currently are deposited to the credit of that account.
The bill would require local governments that are authorized agents for on-site sewage systems to revise programs to incorporate requirements for maintenance companies. Local entities also would need to ensure a license exists before issuing an authorization to construct or issue a new maintenance contract. The bill could also add another step in the enforcement process for local authorities, since they would need to forward information to the TCEQ to pursue revocation of licenses and certifications after the third violation by a maintenance provider. These additional costs are not expected to be signficant.
| Source Agencies: | 582 Commission on Environmental Quality
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, WK, ZS, TL
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