Honorable Leo Berman, Chair, House Committee on Elections
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB64 by Zaffirini (Relating to the reporting of political contributions accepted or political expenditures made near an election; providing a civil penalty.), As Engrossed
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB64, As Engrossed: a negative impact of ($22,000) 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
($22,000)
2009
$0
2010
$0
2011
$0
2012
$0
Fiscal Year
Probable (Cost) from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1
2008
($22,000)
2009
$0
2010
$0
2011
$0
2012
$0
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would require general-purpose committees to file additional reports with the Texas Ethics Commission related to the acceptance of political contributions.
Methodology
The Texas Ethics Commission anticipates modification of its existing reporting program and software which would require approximately 2 contract programmers working full time for 2 months at a cost of $18,500. In addition, related expenses of $3,500 would be required related to sending the new software version to filers.
Technology
Technology costs associated with implementation of the bill would be $18,500 for software programming expenses.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
307 Secretary of State, 356 Texas Ethics Commission