Honorable Tommy Merritt, Chair, House Committee on Public Safety
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1074 by Frost (Relating to the use of bulletproof glass in certain vehicles purchased by the Department of Public Safety.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1074, As Introduced: an impact of $0 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
$0
2011
$0
2012
$0
2013
$0
2014
$0
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from State Highway Fund 6
2010
($2,937,000)
2011
($2,937,000)
2012
($2,937,000)
2013
($2,937,000)
2014
($2,937,000)
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to require that all Department of Public Safety (DPS) police vehicles purchased on or after September 1, 2009 be equipped with a front windshield containing bulletproof glass.
Methodology
DPS reports that there are several levels of protection available for bulletproof windshields, based on the level of ballistic resistance offered by most manufacturers. DPS cost estimates include the lowest estimated cost figures for glass rated for the highest threat level. DPS estimates that it purchases 600 law enforcement vehicles annually. The lowest estimated cost for the installation of a bullet-proof windshield is $4,495. DPS reports that installation would need to take place at the location of the vendor, which would entail transportation costs of $400 per vehicle, bringing the total cost per vehicle to $4,895. The annual fiscal impact to the agency is estimated to be $2,937,000 in State Highway Fund 6.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.