LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 15, 2005

TO:
Honorable David Swinford, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB3314 by Brown, Betty (Relating to prohibiting wireless Internet access to obscene materials on public property.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB3314, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($154,200) through the biennium ending August 31, 2007.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2006 ($78,840)
2007 ($75,360)
2008 ($75,360)
2009 ($75,360)
2010 ($75,360)




Fiscal Year Probable (Cost) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2005
2006 ($78,840) 1.0
2007 ($75,360) 1.0
2008 ($75,360) 1.0
2009 ($75,360) 1.0
2010 ($75,360) 1.0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would require a state agency that provides wireless Internet access on state property to prohibit wireless access to obscene materials. The bill requires the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to assist a state agency in prohibiting wireless access to obscene materials, including prohibiting access by using a filter or other software. The bill prohibits wireless access to obscene materials at a correctional facility. The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Methodology

The bill requires the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to assist a state agency in prohibiting, wireless access to obscene materials, including prohibiting access by using a filter or other software. This analysis assumes that DIR will act in an advisory capacity to state agencies, and will
require 1 FTE to fulfill this requirement. Estimated costs for this FTE include $50,000 in annual salary and $4,500 in travel costs. It is estimated that the purchase of filters or other software could be absorbed within current state agencies' budgets.

Technology

State agencies that provide wireless Internet access would be required to purchase a filter or other software to prevent access to obscene material.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.  The bill authorizes a county sheriff to ban or filter wireless access to obscene materials in the county jail.


Source Agencies:
313 Department of Information Resources
LBB Staff:
JOB, SR, MS, SMi, KJG