Honorable Dan Branch, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1781 by Driver (Relating to the establishment of the Texas Forensic Science Academy as a program of the Texas Engineering Extension Service of The Texas A&M University System.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1781, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($2,868,800) 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
($1,762,800)
2011
($1,106,000)
2012
($867,454)
2013
($867,454)
2014
($867,454)
Fiscal Year
Probable (Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
Probable Revenue Gain from Appropriated Receipts 666
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2009
2010
($1,762,800)
$110,000
12.0
2011
($1,106,000)
$110,000
10.0
2012
($867,454)
$433,727
7.0
2013
($867,454)
$433,727
7.0
2014
($867,454)
$433,727
7.0
Fiscal Analysis
The provisions of the bill would establish the Texas Forensic Science Academy as a law enforcement training program at the Texas Engineering Extension Service. The academy would provide extension courses, online courses, seminars, and workshops focused on science-based best practices for crime scene investigation and evidence collection, preservation, and presentation. The academy would consult with state and local agencies and officials. The Texas Engineering Extension Service would be authorized to employ a director and other personnel as necessary.
Methodology
It is assumed the Texas Engineering Extension Service would incur costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill. These costs would include salaries, wages, and other personnel costs associated with additional FTEs (12 in fiscal year 2010, 10 in fiscal year 2011, and 7 in fiscal years 2012-2015). These FTEs would include administrative assistants, program specialists, a director, program supervisors, and training specialists. Other costs would include lab use, travel, and other operating expenses associated with cirriculum development. Costs in fiscal year 2010 include $450,000 for equipment, including two mobile forensic training labs. Course fees collected by the Texas Engineering Extension Service would be classified as Appropriated Receipts, Fund 666.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.