LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 8, 2007

TO:
Honorable Troy Fraser, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB2820 by Jones, Delwin (Relating to the practice of professional land surveying by a business entity.), As Engrossed



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2820, As Engrossed: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2009.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2008 $0
2009 $0
2010 $0
2011 $0
2012 $0




Fiscal Year Probable (Cost) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1 		Probable Revenue Gain from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1 		Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2007
2008 ($35,613) $35,613 0.5
2009 ($21,383) $21,383 0.5
2010 ($21,383) $21,383 0.5
2011 ($21,383) $21,383 0.5
2012 ($21,383) $21,383 0.5

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend the Occupations Code relating to the practice of professional land surveying by a business entity.  The bill would require an association, partnership or corporation offering land surveying services to be registered by the Board of Professional Land Surveying (Board).  Under the provisions of the bill the Board may also refuse to issue or renew and may suspend or revoke the registration of a firm and may impose an administrative penalty against the owner of a firm for a violation of this chapter by an employee, agent or other representative of the firm.

The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in each house.  If the bill does not receive a two-thirds vote in each house, the bill would take effect September 1, 2007.


Methodology

According to the analysis by the Board, the agency's computer program would have to be modified to include a database for firms offering land surveying services.  Northrop Grumman provides the Board's registrant program and they have estimated that the cost of developing the database would be a one-time cost of $11,000 in fiscal year 2008.  The Board also indicates that an additional half- time employee (0.5 FTE) would be required at a cost of $23,383.  These costs include $16,668 for salary, $4,715 for benefits, $1,000 for a work station, and $1,000 for a personal computer.

Based on the analysis of the Board of Professional Land Surveying, it is assumed that the Board would adjust license fees to cover any additional costs associated with the implementation of this bill.


Technology

The Board estimates a one-time technology cost of $11,000 for changes to the agency's computer program.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
464 Board of Professional Land Surveying
LBB Staff:
JOB, JRO, MW, NV