LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 15, 2007

TO:	Honorable Florence Shapiro, Chair, Senate Committee on Education
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1043 by Dutton (Relating to the provision of courses in behavioral modification by disciplinary alternative education programs and juvenile justice alternative education programs.), As Engrossed

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require all Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs) and Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs (JJAEPs) to offer courses in behavioral modification taught by a person who holds a master's degree in behavioral science.  The bill would require that all teachers in DAEPs be certified under the provisions of Texas Education Code Chapter 21, Subchapter B.

Local Government Impact

To the extent that DAEPs and JJAEPs do not already offer courses in behavioral modification and to the extent that additional employees or contractors holding the appropriate master's degrees must be hired to meet the requirements of the bill, local costs would be incurred.  The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission estimates costs associated with contracting for teachers holding master's degrees in behavioral science at up to $2.2 million per year statewide. 

To the extent that school districts must replace uncertified teachers with certified teachers or replace current teachers or hire additional teachers with the appropriate master's degrees, local costs could be incurred.

Source Agencies:

665 Juvenile Probation Commission, 701 Central Education Agency

LBB Staff:

JOB, JSp, MN, UP, JSc