LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 18, 2009

TO:	Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2585 by Hartnett (Relating to digital or electronic signatures and witness signatures on advance directives.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would allow a digital signature or electronic signature for advanced directives. The digital signature must be unique to the person using it, be capable of verification, and be under the sole control of the person using it, among other requirements.  The electronic signature must be capable of verification, under the sole control of the person using it, and be linked to the advanced directive such that if the advanced directive is changed, the electronic signature is invalidated, among other requirements.

 

DSHS estimates that any cost associated with implementing a digital signature or electronic signature can be absorbed within existing resources.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

537 State Health Services, Department of

LBB Staff:

JOB, CL, MN, BM, MB