LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 10, 2007

TO:	Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on S/C on Ag., Rural Affairs & Coastal Resources
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1532 by Hinojosa (Relating to the regulation of food safety in fresh fruits and vegetables.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill requires the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to act as the lead agency in the regulation of food safety in fresh fruits and vegetables, including any federally mandated inspections of farms and fresh-cut processing facilities.  TDA will also be required to coordinate, plan and approve food safety training and awareness programs among producers of fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

TDA anticipates needing one additional FTE (Sanitarian III) and some operating and travel costs to coordinate the responsibilities required by this legislation for a total cost of $79,062 in fiscal year 2008 and $75,297 in each subsequent fiscal year.  It is anticipated that these costs can be absorbed within existing agency resources. 

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

551 Department of Agriculture

LBB Staff:

JOB, WK, ZS, JF