LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 6, 2009

TO:	Honorable Dan Branch, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB91 by Martinez, "Mando" (relating to the establishment by the University of Texas System of a law school in the Rio Grande Valley.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated through the biennium ending fiscal year 2015. However beginning in fiscal year 2016, costs to the State are estimated to be $4.9 million, increasing in subsequent years.

Under provisions of the bill the University of Texas System could establish a law school in Cameron County or Hidalgo County. No funds could be appropriated before August 31, 2015 to support  the law school. The Higher Education Coordinating Board would prepare a feasibility study to assist the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System in establishing the law school.

Since any costs associated with the bill are outside the time frame covered by this fiscal note, there would be no impact to the State through fiscal year 2015.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, KK, RT, GO