Honorable Royce West, Chair, Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB239 by Alonzo (Relating to public use of computers in certain local public libraries.), As Engrossed
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to require that accreditation standards for public libraries adopted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission include that a public library that has a service area of over 50,000 residents shall provide computers with high-speed Internet access for public use.
Local Government Impact
If the public libraries within an applicable municipality do not already have computers with high-speed Internet access for use by the public, they would incur costs for purchasing equipment and for access to an Internet Service Provider, as well as periodic costs associated with maintenance and upgrades. Necessary basic computer equipment (not including a printer) would cost approximately $500 to $800 per computer, and high-speed Internet access averages about $40 per month. Total costs incurred per library would depend on how many computers the library decides to make available.