LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 25, 2007

TO:	Honorable Wayne Smith, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2729 by Rodriguez (Relating to the conditions of employment for firefighters employed by certain districts and entities; providing penalties.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would add Chapter 179 to Subtitle C, Title 5, Local Government Code, regarding conditions of employment for firefighters employed by certain emergency services districts (ESD). Issues addressed include payroll deductions, longevity pay, classification pay, benefits, working conditions, and disciplinary procedures.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

The costs of implementation would vary by district depending on the number of firefighters employed and how the requirements of the bill compare to pay, benefits, conditions, and procedures currently in place in the district. According to the State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts, provisions of the bill could result in a budget increase of at least 10 percent for an ESD; however, due to limited funding through ad valorem tax rates that may be imposed by districts, the ESDs assume having to reduce other areas of the budget to accomodate the proposed requirements.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, DB