LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 12, 2005

TO:	Honorable Phil King, Chair, House Committee on Regulated Industries
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB409 by Nelson ( relating to the continuation and functions of the Office of Public Utility Counsel.), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would continue the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC) until September 1, 2011. The bill would require OPUC to report its performance to the Legislature annually, and hold an annual stakeholder meeting.

OPUC indicates that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.

The bill would direct the State Auditor's Office to audit OPUC's performance measures. The State Auditor's Office indicates that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

116 Sunset Advisory Commission, 475 Office of Public Utility Counsel, 308 State Auditor's Office

LBB Staff:

JOB, JRO, LB, RB