LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 7, 2007

TO:	Honorable Will Hartnett, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB966 by Ellis (Relating to a qualified privilege of a journalist not to testify.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure relating to a qualified privilege of a journalist not to testify.  The bill would provide that a journalist, as defined, may not be forced to produce, testify or disclose certain confidential information except in a civil or criminal proceeding, under certain conditions.  To the extent the bill would amend court procedures regarding privileges of journalists, no significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 302 Office of the Attorney General

LBB Staff:

JOB, MN, ZS, TB