LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 3, 2007

TO:	Honorable Troy Fraser, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1465 by West, Royce (Relating to the authority of the attorney general to bring suit on behalf of individuals injured by unlawful practices in restraint of trade. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend statute and create a right of action by the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of Texas consumers and governmental entities who have been indirectly injured as a result of a violation of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act. The bill would also give the Attorney General the exclusive authority to enforce this right of action while also clarifying the Attorney General’s authority to represent Texas consumers for direct injury resulting from violation of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act.

 

It is assumed that any additional costs associated with implementation of the bill could be absorbed within existing state resources. Any revenue generated from settlements or judgments resulting from increased litigation is unquantifiable at this time because the number of cases to be litigated or settled cannot be determined.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

302 Office of the Attorney General

LBB Staff:

JOB, JRO, JM