LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 3, 2009

TO:	Honorable Dan Branch, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB184 by Alonzo (Relating to an optometry career program at the University of Houston.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would allow the University of Houston to operate a summer program that prepares highly qualified, economically and academically disadvantaged junior-level, senior-level, and postbaccalaureate students from any public or private institution of higher education for advanced studies and a career in the field of optometry.

Under provisions of the bill, the university would recruit eligible students, establish an application process for admitting the students, develop reasonable requirements for admission, monitor the implementation of the program; and assist in developing services, including career counseling, to support and encourage the pursuit of advanced studies and careers in the field of optometry.
 
The university indicates it currently operates a career program similar to that outlined in the bill and that the annual cost for the program is absorbed by the university. Should the state fund the program as permitted in the bill, the university estimates the annual cost to the state would be $47,000.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

781 Higher Education Coordinating Board, 783 University of Houston System Administration

LBB Staff:

JOB, KK, RT, SSh, GO