LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 10, 2005

TO:	Honorable Robert Puente, Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3029 by Strama (Relating to eligibility of nonborder areas for certain state assistance.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Water Code to broaden the eligibility for nonborder counties to qualify for certain state assistance. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it is assumed it would take effect September 1, 2005 (the bill indicates it would take effect September 1, 2003 if it does not receive the two-thirds vote).

 

Broadening the criteria could result in an increase in the number of entities eligible for state financial assistance under various sections of the Water Code, and thereby the demand for such assistance; however, it is not expected to result in significant cost increases to the state because such entities would already be eligible for existing similar state agency programs.

Local Government Impact

The bill could result in certain political subdivisions being eligible for additional grant funds and loan assistance at reduced interest rates; however, since such entities would likely be eligible for similar financial assitance programs under current law, no significant fiscal implications are expected.

Source Agencies:

580 Water Development Board

LBB Staff:

JOB, WK, DLBa