LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 23, 2009

TO:	Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1861 by Eiland (Relating to the operation and administration of the judiciary in the event of a disaster.), As Passed 2nd House

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code relating to the operation and administration of the judiciary in the event of a disaster.  The bill would authorize certain actions by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Supreme Court, Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, or the Court of Criminal Appeals in the event of a disaster.  The bill would provide that district and statutory county judges in each county adopt administrative rules for a coordinated response for the transaction of essential judicial functions in the event of a disaster.  The LBB's analysis of the bill anticipates any additional work for the courts resulting from passage of the bill could be reasonably absorbed within current resources.  The bill would take effect immediately if it receives two-thirds votes in each house, otherwise the bill would take effect September 1, 2009.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council

LBB Staff:

JOB, SD, JP, TB, MN