LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 14, 2009

TO:
Honorable Veronica Gonzales, Chair, House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB186 by Alonzo (Relating to the creation of the Bureau for Economic Development and Hispanic Studies.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB186, As Introduced: a positive impact of $389,089 through the biennium ending August 31, 2011.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2010 $204,092
2011 $184,997
2012 $184,997
2013 $184,997
2014 $184,997




Fiscal Year Probable (Cost) from
General Revenue Fund
1 		Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2009
2010 $204,092 3.0
2011 $184,997 3.0
2012 $184,997 3.0
2013 $184,997 3.0
2014 $184,997 3.0

Fiscal Analysis

This bill creates the Bureau for Economic Development and Hispanic Studies (bureau) that consists of 18 members appointed by the governor with its main office in Dallas.  The bill requires the bureau to hold at least one meeting each calendar quarter.
 
The bill requires the bureau to develop proposals for maximizing trade between Texas and other countries, undertake research to encourage the analysis of public policies affecting Hispanic citizens, and to conduct studies and develop policy proposals on issues of particular interest and importance to Hispanic citizens. The bill also requires the bureau to serve as a clearinghouse of information for other agencies and organizations, and distribute the results of its studies to appropriate agencies and officials, community organizations, private leaders, and the public.

The bill would be effective September 1, 2009.


Methodology

The bill requires the bureau to employ an executive director and authorizes the executive director to employ necessary personnel. This analysis assumes one Director II position at an annual cost of $82,844 (salary and benefits), one Program Specialist III position at an annual cost of $53,493 (salary and benefits), and one Administrative Assistance II position at an annual cost of $33,660 (salary and benefits) would be required to fulfill the duties of the bureau.
 
Initial start-up costs in fiscal year 2008 include $15,000 for office furniture, $3,000 for computers, and $1,095 for telecommunication equipment. Recurring annual operating costs include $12,000 for office space, $1,500 for travel, $900 for consumables, and $600 for telecommunication services.
 
Total cost to General Revenue is estimated at $204,092 in fiscal year 2010 and $184,997 in fiscal year 2011.

Technology

Technology costs are estimated at $3,000 for fiscal year 2010 and include three personal computers at $1,000 each.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
116 Sunset Advisory Commission, 301 Office of the Governor, 720 The University of Texas System Administration
LBB Staff:
JOB, CL, BTA