LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 14, 2007

TO:	Honorable Robert Duncan, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB123 by Deuell (Relating to excepting certain personal information concerning a minor from required disclosure under the public information law.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Public Information Act prohibiting disclosure of identifying information, including photograph and family member information, of a person who was younger than 18 at the time the governmental body received the request.

The Office of the Attorney General indicates that it could absorb the costs associated with the bill within its current resources.

The bill would be effective immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house. Otherwise, the Act takes effect on September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

Costs to local governmental entities to implement the provisions of the bill would depend upon the number of requests for information involving a person who is younger than 18 years of age. Redacting the information from existing files could result in additional personnel costs for local entities, especially if documents such as public court orders, real or personal property records, or probate court records are included. Implementing the provisions of the bill could also result in an increase in the number of requests referred to the Office of the Attorney General for review.

 

Harris County reported that it would need two additional assistant county attorneys and an administrative assistant to assist with the additional reviews, along with corresponding fringe benefits and indirect costs.

Source Agencies:

302 Office of the Attorney General

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, MS, JM